After Reports Of A Nightclub Shooting, Love Island Says The Villa Isn’t ‘Caught Up In A Gang War’

While we're very excited for next series of Love Island, which starts on Sunday, there have been reports that the Cape Town villa is in the midst of a 'rampant gang war'. However, the ITV show have denied this, saying there is 'no link' between the violence and the series.

According to The Sun{ =nofollow}, over the weekend, Extreme Security Measures owner Timothy Lotter was shot multiple times, with his death rumoured to be linked to a gang called the Sexy Boys. A spokesperson for Love Island said, 'There is absolutely no link whatsoever between Love Island and this person or firm.’

The website report that non-profit organisation The Conservation has reported that the country will be protected by the army in a bid to reduce 'rampant violence and crime', after the police force's failed attempt. A source told IOL{ =nofollow}: 'Prior to his death Lotter was allegedly linked to the nightclub security controlled by the Sexy Boys and other underworld figures. It is alleged he jumped ship and joined forces with rivals in the underworld and when the Sexy Boys got wind of it, decided to take him out. His move to rival underworld figures would have resulted in huge financial losses to the Sexy Boys.’ Last year, according to government body the South African Cities Network, Cape Town saw 69 murders for every 100,000 people.

This latest development follows previous reports that the villa - which has relocated to South Africa for the winter series - is going to be patrolled by armed guards to stop kidnap attempts in one of the world’s deadliest cities. A Love Island spokesperson told MailOnline, 'The safety and security of our Islanders and crew are of the utmost importance.’

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