Two teenage boys have been killed in a flare-up of gang violence in Bonteheuwel in the Western Cape, community forum members said on Sunday.

“There were two killings on Friday night… definitely related to gang violence,” Bonteheuwel Joint Peace Forum member Soraya Salie told News24.

She said one of the boys who had been killed was aged 16 and the other 17. The older teenager had been shot 14 times.

Salie said the situation in Bonteheuwel over the weekend had been “very tense”.

On Saturday, the funeral of one of the teens, as well as those of three alleged gang members, had taken place.

Police presence

However, Salie said there had been a very strong police presence over the last few days, with raids taking place and helicopters flying overhead.

Salie said that the community feared the upcoming Youth Day public holiday.

“Four youths were killed last year. We don’t want a repeat.”

Meanwhile, Salie said that a 13-year-old girl who had been shot in the face when rival gangs opened fire on Thursday, was recovering.

The child was apparently hit by a stray bullet while walking down the street.

“She’s recovering [and] is still in hospital,” said Salie on Sunday.

Comment from Western Cape police was not immediately available. News24