Four killed in separate Cape Town shootings as holiday season turns violent

The December holiday season has begun under a dark cloud in the Cape Metropole, with at least four people killed and several others injured in a spate of shootings on Thursday, widely believed to be linked to ongoing gang turf wars.

The Daily Voice reports that in Manenberg, a 45-year-old man was shot dead and a 21-year-old wounded in a drive-by shooting at the corner of Duinefontein and Turfhall roads. Law enforcement officers, who witnessed the attack, opened fire on the fleeing suspects and gave chase.

Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, Manenberg police station commander, confirmed that the attackers were travelling in a black Hyundai Atos, which had been hijacked earlier in Woodstock.

“Several shots were fired at the two men, killing one and injuring the other in the lower body,” said Naidoo. “As the suspects fled, law enforcement officers responded immediately, giving chase. The vehicle was intercepted in Amazon Way after a short pursuit.”

One suspect, who had been shot in the back during the exchange, was arrested after attempting to escape by scaling a residential fence. Three others fled the scene and remain at large.

Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder as investigations continue.

According to the Manenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), the attack is believed to be part of an ongoing conflict between the Fancy Boys and Hard Livings gangs. CPF spokesperson Abdurahman Govind confirmed that the shooting involved members from both groups.

“There were reportedly two Fancy Boys targeted, and a Hard Livings member was also shot. One of the victims was taken to hospital, and the vehicle used in the shooting had been flagged,” Govind said.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers arrived on the scene to find one man dead and another injured, with investigations now under way.

Later that morning, two brothers were gunned down in Belhar. The incident occurred just after 9am in Mozart Street. The victims, aged 38 and 63, were declared dead at the scene.

“Police responded to reports of a shooting and found both victims with multiple gunshot wounds,” said Twigg. “The suspects fled and have not yet been arrested. The motive for the attack forms part of the investigation.”

In a separate incident in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, an adult male was reportedly shot and killed, although full details surrounding the case were still emerging at the time of publication.

As gang violence flares up across parts of the Cape Flats, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.

The spate of violence has raised alarm among community leaders, who are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed as the festive season progresses.

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