Two youngsters were shot and killed and five other people were injured on Friday night when two alleged gunmen stormed a house in Booysen Park and shot at the occupants.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the callous attack at a house in Capulet Street happened at about 9:20pm.
“Two unknown suspects kicked opened the door at a house in Capulet Street in Booysen’s Park and entered.
“The suspects were armed and approached a 26 year old victim and pulled a gold chain from around his neck,” Naidu said.
Two cell phones were also taken.
It is further alleged that the suspects then started shooting at the occupants inside the house.
Deacon Van Rooyen, 16, and Ruaan Willemse, 8, were fatally wounded while five others aged between 17 and 36 years old also sustained gunshot wounds said Naidu.
All the injured were admitted in hospital.
The the Port Elizabeth branch of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.
Provincial police Commissioner Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has called on the community of Bethelsdorp to come forward and expose those responsible for the attack.
“We cannot allow such young and innocent lives to be lost under such tragic circumstances. These criminals are living among the communities therefore an urgent appeal is made to the communities to act together with the police in speedily arresting these perpetrators and bringing them to book. The team of detectives have been working until the early hours of this morning in an attempt to track down the suspects,” Ntshinga said.
The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Police have anyone with information relating to this incident to contact Lt Col Mike Grobler on 082442 1825 or Crime Stop 08600 1011 or SAPS Bethelsdorp on 041 404 3005. All information is confidential and callers have the right to remain anonymous.