Sapa

6 shot dead at massage parlour

CAPE TOWN — Six people were shot dead and four others seriously wounded at a massage parlour in Sea Point, Cape Town, on Monday morning, police said.

Captain Etienne Terblanche said the shootings happened about 04:00 when neighbours heard gunshots and contacted the police.

Terblanche said the six victims had all been tied up and shot in the head at close range. Their throats had been slit as well.

The four injured men — also shot in the head — were rushed to a Cape Town hospital.

Terblanche said the house, at 7 Graham Road, was rented out and run as a massage parlour, apparently for gay men.

There are signs on the front of the house with the words "No cheques accepted".

Terblanche declined to say whether the massacre had anything to do with Nigerian drug lords, but said: "We are investigating all possibilities."

According to residents, there had been an altercation with drug dealers. Police could not confirm this.

Graham Road, between Oliver and Marais roads, was cordoned off at both ends on Monday morning, and there was a huge police presence at No 7.

Forensic experts were also at the house.