A surge in violent incidents across the Cape Flats has left six people dead and several others injured, raising renewed concerns about gang activity and public safety in some of Cape Town’s most affected communities.
The violence unfolded over several days, with multiple shootings and stabbings reported across areas including Athlone, Ottery, Mitchells Plain, Wesbank and Ocean View. Police have confirmed that a number of the incidents are believed to be gang-related, although investigations are still ongoing.
In Athlone, a man was shot in Kewtown on Friday after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed that an attempted murder case has been opened. “SAPS members attended a shooting incident and were informed that the victim was shot several times and taken to hospital for treatment,” he said, adding that the motive is believed to be gang-related.
Further incidents followed in Ottery, where three men were shot in Freedom Park during the early hours of Saturday morning. Two men, both aged 31, were declared dead at the scene, while a third victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries. Police have registered two counts of murder and one of attempted murder in connection with the attack.
Violence continued in Mitchells Plain, where a 36-year-old man was killed in Portlands following a stabbing. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said officers responded to the scene and found the victim with fatal injuries. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet,” he said.
Additional fatal stabbings were reported in Wesbank and Ocean View, further adding to the death toll. In one case, police indicated that an argument between individuals preceded the attack, with the suspect fleeing the scene and remaining at large.
The violence extended into Sunday, when a shooting in Heideveld left one man dead and several others injured after gunmen opened fire on a group of people. Twigg confirmed that police are continuing their investigation. “The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation,” he said.
The series of incidents highlights ongoing challenges in addressing gang-related crime across the Cape Flats, where communities continue to face persistent safety risks.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as efforts continue to identify suspects and prevent further violence.
Source: IOL – IOL – Kim Swartz.
