READ: Surge in Gang-Related Shootings Rocks Cape Flats, Leaving Multiple Dead and Injured

Cape Town, May 12, 2025 – A wave of shootings across the Cape Flats from May 5 to May 11, 2025, has left at least 14 people dead and numerous others critically injured, intensifying concerns about escalating gang violence in the region. The incidents, spanning neighborhoods such as Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Ottery, and Hanover Park, have prompted urgent calls for action from community leaders and ongoing investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Recent Timeline of events

Monday, May 5, 2025

- Nyanga (Nyanga Junction): A security guard was shot and critically injured.

- Ottery (Hector Road): A male was shot and critically injured.

- Montrose Park, Mitchells Plain (6 Patricia Close, 21:30): A male was shot in the head and critically injured.

- Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain (Sentinel Street): One person was shot dead.

- Ottery (Eric Way): A male was shot dead.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

- Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain (Corridor Street): Three teens (aged 18–19) were shot in a drive-by attack. Two were killed, and one was critically injured. Police confirmed the incident, investigating two counts of murder and one attempted murder.

- Rylands, Athlone (Mohan Avenue): A male was shot dead.

- Bishop Lavis: The father of an alleged NIKEBOYS gang leader was shot dead.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

- Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain (Billjardt Street): One person was shot and critically injured.

- Ravensmead (Derby Street): One person was shot and critically injured.

- Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain (Linaria, 22:20): Three victims were shot, with one killed and two critically injured.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

- Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain (Rolbal Street): A drive-by shooting killed a 17-year-old boy and critically injured a 35-year-old male.

- Rylands, Athlone (Mohan Avenue): A 16-year-old boy was shot dead.

Friday, May 9, 2025

- Several unconfirmed shooting incidents were reported but lack official verification.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

- Kalkfontein, Kuils River (Elmarie Street): Three people were shot, with two killed and one critically injured.

- Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain (Riley & Cadillac Streets): Two people were shot; their status remains unknown.

- Clark Estate, Elsies River (Greenwood Street): One person was shot; status unknown.

- Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain (Drakensberg Street): One person was shot in the back and fled the scene; status unknown.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

- Hanover Park (Blomvlei Rd, BP Garage): A body was found, confirmed deceased.

- Hanover Park (Moray Court): One person was shot dead.

- Heideveld (Jonkerhoek Road): A woman’s body was found in an abandoned building, confirmed deceased.

The Mitchells Plain Community Police Forum (CPF), led by Chairperson Norman Jantjies, has demanded a commission of inquiry into the escalating violence, citing its impact on every household and frustrations with cases being withdrawn in court. “The community is living in fear, and we need systemic change to stop this cycle,” Jantjies said.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that investigations are underway, particularly for the May 6 Tafelsig shooting, where a Toyota Etios was involved. No arrests have been reported as of May 12, 2025. The public is urged to provide information via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS mobile application.

The Cape Flats has long been plagued by gang-related violence, often linked to drug turf wars and rivalries. The recent shootings, including the deaths of teens and public discoveries of bodies, underscore the crisis’s severity. Community leaders and police face challenges such as witness reluctance and resource constraints, with past reports highlighting issues in crime intelligence coordination.

The surge in violence has renewed calls for stronger anti-gang strategies and community support. The CPF is developing a long-term plan, but residents and leaders emphasize the need for immediate intervention to restore safety.

For further information, contact the SAPS or local community forums. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stop.