Community outraged after police shooting in Manenberg leaves one dead

Manenberg residents are demanding answers following a deadly police shooting on Sea Rose Street on the evening of Monday, February 9, that left a woman dead and several others injured.

The incident claimed the life of Shanell Thiro and has raised serious concerns about the safety of residents during police operations.

Community members alleged that the violence erupted after police officers patrolling the area noticed a woman appearing to record them on a cellphone.

Residents said a group had been sitting outside socialising when one woman jokingly pretended to film the officers.

The late Ms Thiro's brother, Brandall Prins, said the situation escalated rapidly. “They quickly jumped out of the cars and started assaulting everyone here. We were shocked when they began shooting and wounded four people. We tried to speak to them, but the damage had been done. My sister was shot in the leg and subsequently died from that wound,” he said.

A devastated Mr Prins questioned the safety of residents under police protection.

He claimed those present were unarmed and simply enjoying themselves when officers opened fire. “They did not have name tags. They leave gang-infested areas and then shoot at innocent people. This is the government we have entrusted with our lives, and now it is killing us. We have lost a sister, a breadwinner, and a mother of one,” he said.

His father, Billy Thiro, was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to the arm. He has called for justice for his daughter, saying police had no right to shoot at unarmed residents. “We are still asking ourselves what we did. We were wrestled, kicked, and shot at. This is where I was shot,” he said, pointing to his bandaged arm.

Residents say they are now living in fear following the shooting.

Adiela Burns, whose daughter was among those injured, said she rushed outside after hearing the commotion. “When I came out, one policeman was on top of my child. He was carrying a long gun. I jumped on him to save my child,” she said.

Another resident, Gerald Allie, said he collected spent bullet casings as evidence. He criticised what he described as heavy-handed policing. “They should be our protectors, but they are the ones killing innocent people. This brutality is not welcomed, especially when it happens to innocent people,” he said.

A resident who identified himself only as Fabian also condemned the shooting. He said the community did not understand why police would fire on unarmed people. “Look at the damage they did. The woman was working on the EPW project and was the sole breadwinner. Now they have taken that away. This is unfair to innocent people,” he said.

One victim alleged that an officer confronted him at close range. “One guy reached for his waist and said, ‘Do you know this?’ I just saw a silver object. He then shot at me from close range,” he claimed.

Manenberg police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett said police had no record of a murder or police shooting in the area. He urged residents to ensure the incident was formally reported. “We have no incidents regarding your inquiry. There were no operations either,” he said.

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