A violent incident unfolded in Brown’s Farm, Philippi, on Thursday, 26 June 2025, when a suspected hijacking ended fatally for three alleged perpetrators.
Brown’s Farm hijacking turns to triple murder
Detectives from the Western Cape’s Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit are now tasked with investigating what led to the deadly confrontation, as questions continue to swirl about the identities of the shooters and the true motive behind the killings.
According to police, the sequence of events began earlier in the day when two men were driving a light delivery vehicle in Nyanga. At some point, the pair were confronted by armed suspects who forcibly hijacked the vehicle.
The victims were then loaded into the back of the van as the suspects drove off.
The situation took a dramatic turn as the vehicle reached the intersection of Sheffield and Moonwood Roads in Brown’s Farm.
It was there that gunfire erupted from an unknown source, targeting the vehicle.
All three of the alleged hijackers were killed at the scene. Their identities and ages have not yet been confirmed, and authorities have not publicly identified the individuals believed to have opened fire.
Police have indicated that the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. While some community members have speculated whether private security may have been involved—particularly given the vehicle was a delivery truck—investigators have not confirmed any such details.
In recent years, Brown’s Farm has gained a reputation as a hotspot for extortion and the hijacking of delivery vehicles, raising questions about whether the suspects were targeted in retaliation or as part of broader turf-related violence.
Community members who spoke to investigators described hearing a barrage of gunshots but were unable to identify who was responsible. No civilians were injured in the incident, and the hijacked vehicle was recovered at the scene.
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit is calling for witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed:
“Three males believed to be involved in the hijacking were shot and fatally wounded. The motive for the incident is currently unknown, and our members are following up on all leads.”
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or details relevant to the case to assist in identifying those behind the shooting.
As detectives continue to explore every angle, the incident has cast a spotlight once again on the persistent challenges of violent crime in Brown’s Farm and the complex dynamics at play in the hijacking of commercial delivery vehicles in Cape Town’s most vulnerable areas.
