POLICE have arrested seven suspects, including teenagers, in connection with the brutal murders of seven men at Better Life informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town on Friday, 17 October.
The victims were shot and burnt inside a shack on Road 53 in what residents described as one of the most gruesome attacks the area has ever seen.
Police said the arrests came after days of intense investigation and intelligence-led operations.
Provincial police spokesman Colonel André Traut said the arrests were a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime.
"In a decisive blow to violent crime, detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, with the support of Crime Intelligence, arrested seven suspects late last night and early this morning in Philippi East," he said.
Traut said the suspects, aged between 16 and 22, were tracked and taken into custody during coordinated operations.
"They're facing multiple charges of murder and will appear in the Athlone Magistrates Court tomorrow," he added.
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The arrests followed a week-long investigation after gunmen stormed a house and opened fire on a group of men before setting their bodies alight. When the flames were extinguished, police discovered seven charred bodies of men aged between 20 and 30.
Residents believe the victims were targeted because they were new in the area.
"Three of the men had just moved in about three weeks ago," said house owner Sisa Mateyise.
"Two people who had gone to the mall returned to find everyone dead."
One man reportedly survived by pretending to be dead. A woman in another room escaped unharmed because the attackers did not open her door.
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile commended the swift arrests, saying they send a clear message to criminals.
"We will not tolerate ruthless acts of violence that destroy lives and destabilise our communities," he said.
Patekile said police will continue to pursue those who commit "such barbaric crimes" and warned that "there will be no hiding place for criminals in this province".
Residents said the community remains tense, fearing further attacks.
Ward Councillor Zukisani Sophazi said the silence in the area shows how afraid people are. "People are scared. They don't even want to talk."
Police urged anyone with information about the killings to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.
