Gang-related violence in Bonteheuwel leaves five injured, four of them children
Members of the Anti-Gang Unit are currently investigating the shooting incidents.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
The SAPS Anti-Gang Unit is investigating two shooting incidents in Bonteheuwel on Tuesday evening that left five people wounded, including four children aged 10 to 16. Officials believe the violence is retaliatory gang-related.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that authorities are actively hunting the suspects.
The first incident occurred in Amandel Street. "A group was standing outside a shop when a vehicle emerged, and two suspects alighted. The suspects started firing shots at the group, and a teenager (aged 16), as well as three children aged 12, 11 and 10, were injured. The victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment," Potelwa said.
Shortly afterwards, a second shooting took place in Citrus Street. "A 30-year-old man was shot in the back by a gunman in a moving vehicle. He was also transported to hospital for treatment," Potelwa added.
These incidents follow a surge in violent crime across Cape Town suburbs, often fueled by territorial disputes between rival gangs. The deployment of the Anti-Gang Unit remains a primary strategy for the SAPS Western Cape provincial office to curb localised shootings.
“The motive for the shooting incidents is believed to be related to gang violence. No arrests have been effected yet. Investigations continue,” Potelwa said.
Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie, stated the attack on the children was a direct result of gang retaliation following the killing of a known gang member earlier this week. McKenzie confirmed the children are currently in stable condition but condemned the "cowardice" of the shooters.
“This is the reality of retaliation shootings. Cowardice. Recklessness. Evil. Because when bullets fly, they don’t ask questions. They don’t check targets. They destroy lives," McKenzie said. "We will not allow criminals to believe they control our streets."
McKenzie urged residents with any information to come forward privately. "You have seen what happens when the community stands together... Let’s do it again. Because enough is enough."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.