WATCH-Man Gunned Down in Vehicle on Van Riebeeck Road in Kuilsriver

A fatal shooting incident unfolded in the early evening hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, on Van Riebeeck Road in Kuils River, leaving one man dead after he was struck by multiple gunshots while seated inside his vehicle. The attack, which authorities suspect is linked to ongoing gang activity in the area, has prompted a swift police response and road closures to secure the crime scene.

According to an incident report issued by the community safety organization Fight Against Crime South Africa (FACSA), the victim was targeted in a brazen assault on Van Riebeeck Street, a busy thoroughfare in the suburb. Emergency services were alerted shortly after the gunfire erupted, arriving to find the man suffering from several gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, confirming the incident as a homicide. The exact time of the shooting has been reported as occurring around dusk, though precise timestamps remain under verification by investigators.

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers from the Kuils River station quickly mobilized to the location, cordoning off Van Riebeeck Road between Nooiensfontein Road and Annandale Road to preserve evidence and facilitate forensic examinations. Local ward councillor Wouter de Vos issued an urgent public advisory late Wednesday evening, urging residents and motorists to avoid the stretch of road to allow law enforcement unobstructed access. "There is an active crime scene, and your co-operation will be appreciated to give SAPS the best possible circumstances to carry out their work," de Vos stated in his notice.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed pending notification of next of kin, was alone in the vehicle at the time of the attack. Witnesses described hearing a series of rapid shots, consistent with reports of the assailant or assailants firing from close range before fleeing the scene on foot or by vehicle. No descriptions of suspects have been released, and SAPS has appealed for public assistance, including any dashcam or CCTV footage from the vicinity.

While the motive is officially under investigation, the incident bears hallmarks of gang-related violence, a persistent issue in Kuils River and surrounding Western Cape communities. Earlier this year, the suburb recorded multiple similar events, including a mass shooting on Elizabeth Street in Kalkfontein on August 31, 2025, where five people were targeted, resulting in two fatalities. In July 2025, three separate shootings over consecutive days left two dead and several teenagers injured, all believed to stem from rival gang disputes. These patterns underscore the escalating use of firearms in territorial conflicts, with SAPS reporting a rise in such incidents across Cape Town's northern suburbs.

FACSA, which first broke the news of the shooting through its monitoring network, emphasized the role of community vigilance in combating crime. The organization noted that the attack occurred in a residential area near landmarks such as Mia Casa Plaza, heightening concerns for local safety. As of Thursday morning, October 23, no arrests had been made, and the investigation remains active under the jurisdiction of the Kuils River Detectives Unit.

Residents in the area have expressed frustration over recurring violence, with SAPS committing additional patrols in response. Crime Stoppers has been activated for anonymous tips, reachable at 08600 10111. Further updates are expected as post-mortems and ballistic analyses progress.

This incident marks the latest in a string of violent episodes plaguing the Western Cape, where gun-related homicides continue to strain police resources. SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thembisile Patekile has reiterated calls for community partnerships to dismantle gang networks fueling these attacks.