Gang violence in Cape Town is escalating, with several deadly shootings reported in the past week.
Gang violence in Cape Town leaves trail of deaths
Despite the launch of the anti-gang unit in 2018, which was meant to fight gangs, drug trafficking, and related murders, the killings have continued.
The most shocking incident happened on Monday morning, 18 August 2025, when a four-month-old baby was shot through a window in Bonteheuwel. The child was rushed to hospital in a private car.
Police believe the shooting was gang-related.
Shootings across Cape Town in one week
The baby’s shooting was not an isolated case.
Several other deadly incidents linked to gang violence in Cape Town took place in recent days:
- Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay (17 August 2025 at 22:00 SAST): Six people were shot in what police believe was an extortion-related attack. Two victims died, four were injured, and five suspects were arrested. Police recovered two firearms, including an Uzi.
- Belhar (17 August 2025): An adult male was shot dead in Da Gama Crescent. Police said the motive was linked to gangs.
- Muizenberg (16 August 2025 at 22:30 SAST): Three people were killed and one injured in an ambush in Mike Place, Xakabantu settlement. The victims were aged between 29 and 32.
- Lotus River (14 August 2025): Five bodies were found on the corner of Buck Road and 5th Avenue.
- Overcome Heights, Muizenberg (13 August 2025 at 05:30 SAST): Four people were shot dead on Mountain Road in another gang-related attack.
Police have linked many of these incidents to gang activity, but in some cases, the exact motives are still under investigation.
Cape Town communities say they are living in fear. With bodies piling up in multiple neighbourhoods, residents are questioning whether the South African Police Service (SAPS) is able to handle the crisis.
In a statement, SAPS spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed the Muizenberg shootings and said:
“Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine the exact events that led to this incident. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
Police have responded by deploying more patrol vehicles to hotspots, but many locals argue that visible policing is not enough to stop the bloodshed.
The anti-gang unit, launched in 2018, was designed to dismantle gang networks, stop drug trafficking, and reduce shootings. However, with recent killings continuing almost daily, questions are being raised about its effectiveness.
Gangs in Cape Town are deeply rooted in many communities, often controlling drug trade and extortion businesses. Experts say this makes it difficult for law enforcement to fully dismantle them.
Authorities are urging the public to assist with investigations.
“The SAPS appeals to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or to submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application,” Col. Traut said.
With gang violence in Cape Town claiming lives almost every day — including that of a baby — the crisis has once again put the spotlight on policing strategies in the Western Cape.