One man was killed and another seriously injured in a shooting outside the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 August 2025.
Mitchell’s Plain police station shooting leaves one dead
The court building, which is situated near the Mitchell’s Plain police station, was placed on lockdown after gunfire erupted in front of the premises.
According to Mitchell’s Plain police chief Brigadier Brian Muller, the two men targeted were believed to be members of the “Fancy Boys” gang. Both had earlier appeared in court on a double murder case that was provisionally withdrawn before the attack.
The victims, aged 24 and 27, were waiting outside the courthouse for a friend when the gunmen struck. Police said four suspects were involved in the Mitchell’s Plain police station shooting. One suspect fired the shots, while three others fled with him.
Brigadier Muller confirmed that a police officer stationed in front of the court witnessed the incident and returned fire. However, the shooter managed to escape.
“A man, 24, died on the scene, while a 27-year-old man was shot in the back,” Muller said.
Police say the suspects fled toward the Mitchell’s Plain town centre side and remain at large.
Growing pattern of gang-related shootings
The Mitchell’s Plain police station shooting comes at a time when gang violence is spreading across Cape Town, particularly on the Cape Flats.
The Cape Flats is an area made up of multiple working-class communities where gang activity is deeply entrenched.
Over the same weekend, several deadly shootings were reported:
- In Kraaifontein, three people were shot on Friday. A 19-year-old man was killed, while two others, aged 18 and 19, were injured.
- In Bonteheuwel, also on Friday, a four-month-old baby was shot dead in Yellowwood Crescent.
- In Montrose Park, Mitchell’s Plain, three people were shot and injured in a house.
- In Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain, a man was shot dead near Promenade Mall on AZ Berman Road.
- In Eureka Estate, Elsies River, a 14-year-old boy was killed on Saturday evening in a backyard attack. A 13-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 63-year-old man were also wounded.
- In Kleinvlei, Eerste River, three men aged between 18 and 39 were shot dead in the early hours of Sunday morning while sitting in the yard of a residence.
Police investigations into the Mitchell’s Plain shooting and the weekend violence are ongoing. No arrests have been made in connection with the court attack.
Authorities are calling on the public to come forward with any information that can assist.
“The suspects remain at large. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Brigadier Muller said.
