One dead in Manenberg taxi-loading ambush during early-morning shootout

A dawn attack at one of Manenberg’s busiest intersections has jolted Cape Town’s violence-weary communities less than a day after the city reeled from two killings near Athlone Magistrate’s Court and a gang hit in Rocklands that claimed the life of nine-year-old Zechariah Matthee.

A 45-year-old man was shot dead and another wounded at 6am on Thursday, when gunmen opened fire on the men loading a taxi at the corner of Duinefontein and Turfhall Roads.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said: “Manenberg police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Thursday morning, December 4 2025, at about 6am on the corner of Duinefontein and Turfhall Roads and upon arrival on the scene they found two males who sustained gunshot wounds. A 45-year-old male was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while a 21-year-old male who sustained a gunshot wound to his back was transported to a medical facility for treatment.”

Twigg added: “The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. We can confirm that an adult male was arrested by Law Enforcement officers.” Manenberg detectives are investigating murder and attempted-murder cases.

Manenberg CPF spokesperson Vernon Visagie confirmed the victims were attacked while loading a taxi.

“Guys were loading a taxi at around 6am this morning when a black Hyundai Atos pulled up beside them, opened fire, killing one of the victims. The other was taken to hospital.”

He said Metro Police quickly pursued the vehicle.

“Metro Police heard of this, gave chase and met up with these guys near the Nyanga junction area. These guys then opened fire on the officers. The driver of the Hyundai was shot and injured and metro police arrested him and took him to hospital where he is currently under police surveillance.”

A second suspect fled. “Police also gave chase after another suspect who ran off. He is still on the run,” Visagie said.

He added: “We can’t say whether the incident is gang-related but the investigation is underway.”

The Manenberg shooting comes as the Cape Flats faced a violent week. On Wednesday, two men were shot dead within minutes of each other near the Athlone Magistrate’s Court after leaving the premises. An eyewitness described gunmen pulling up, jumping out and firing multiple shots at the first victim before chasing down the second.

Hours earlier, Rocklands residents were shattered when masked attackers opened fire inside a home and a wendy house, killing Zechariah Matthee, his aunt Cleo Bailey and Mougsheen Daniels. Sixty bullet casings were removed from the scene. Community leaders said the property had been the site of previous shootings and linked the killings to ongoing gang conflict.

Twigg urged the public to come forward: “Anyone with any information about this shooting incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.”

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