A mother from Uitsig has been left shattered after two of her sons died in a mass shooting in Uitsig Avenue on Saturday evening.
Brothers Luchen Samuels, 19, who was a father and Angelo Hufke, 32, both lost their lives after unknown gunmen opened fire on a group of people who were standing at a gambling table.
Samuels and Hufke were coming from family when they were shot and both were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
Three other youngsters aged 16, 19, and 29 were wounded during the shooting and transported to a medical facility for treatment.
A local resident who knew the brothers said: “It is shocking what happened. Those brothers were not involved in any gangsterism or wrongdoing; they are usually a large group who gamble or stand by the gambling table. When those shots went off, it was continuous, non-stop.”
When the Cape Argus sister publication, Daily Voice arrived at the family home, the victims’ mother and the rest of the family members could not hold back the tears.
It is the second time that the mom will be burying a child, as she lost another son because of gangsterism a few years ago.
Community leader and anti-crime activist Bishop Adam Alexander spoke on behalf of the family and said: “It is with deep sorrow and outrage that we confirm the tragic and brutal killing of two young men, Luchen Samuels (19) and Angelo Hufke (32), who lost their lives in a senseless act of violence.
“The victims had just visited family and were passing the Gamble Pool area when unknown assailants opened fire. Both men were struck by bullets and tragically succumbed to their injuries.
“Three other individuals were also injured during the shooting and are currently receiving medical attention. This devastating incident has left a mother shattered beyond words.
“She has now lost two sons in one night, an unimaginable pain. Years ago, she also lost her eldest son to gang violence. “No mother should ever have to endure such repeated loss. This is not normal. This is not acceptable.
“As a community leader and activist, I can testify that Luchen and Angelo were not involved in gangsterism. They were known to me as young men trying to make an honest living. “They were inseparable in life, and now they are united in death through violence that continues to plague our communities.
“Since Thursday alone, three young men have lost their lives in the same flats. Families are broken. Mothers are grieving. Communities are living in fear like prisoners in their own homes while promises of safety and intervention remain empty.
“As community members, we continue to stand on the frontlines, often placing ourselves in danger to protect our neighborhoods.
“Yet, the very government funded by the people has failed to adequately protect them. We call on the government to act decisively and demonstrate a genuine commitment to standing with this grieving family and the broader community.
“At this time, we also appeal to society at large: Let us come together in unity and compassion to support this grieving mother.
“We ask for any assistance, financially or otherwise, to help give her sons a dignified funeral.”
Anyone who wishes to assist is encouraged to contact 067 169 5995.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident, saying: ““Ravensmead police registered two counts of murder and three of attempted murder, following a shooting incident on Saturday night, March 28, 2026, at about 8.45pm, in Uitsig Avenue, Uitsig, where two males aged 19 and 32 were shot and fatally wounded, and three others, which include two males aged 19 and 29 and a 16-year-old girl wounded.
“Police members were patrolling in the area when they saw people running.
“They were informed by the public that several people were shot by unknown suspects who fled the scene.
“The 19 and 32-year-old victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation.”