Wed, 28 Jun 2006

Three people, including a two-year-old girl, were shot dead in a house in Gugulethu on Wednesday, according to Western Cape police spokesperson Superintendent Billy Jones.

Police launched a search for the man, who was arrested shortly afterwards at the Nyanga Junction. All three victims had single bullet wounds to their heads.

Jones said one of the deceased, a 30-year-old woman, was arguing with a male friend visiting her shortly after 2am.

The 35-year-old man drew a gun and shot the woman, as well as her sister, 35, and two-year-old daughter who were sitting in the lounge.

"Other family members who were also in the house at the time are physically unharmed and are receiving trauma counselling at the Gugulethu police station," said Jones.

A suspect was in custody at the Gugulethu police station and would be charged with murder.

The names of the deceased cannot be released as all the next-of-kin had been informed.

Sapa