Two mass shootings in less than 24 hours have plunged Cape Town’s communities into mourning and highlighted the persistent scourge of violent crime across the region.
In the first incident, gunmen shot and killed three men and injured a fourth in a targeted attack in Philippi East late Sunday night, 15 June 2025.
In the second, on Monday night, 16 June 2025, shooters opened fire in Nyanga, killing one person and wounding four others.
THREE KILLED AND ONE INJURED IN PHILLIPPI EAST MASS SHOOTING
According to a SAPS media statement, the attack occurred at approximately 23:15 on 15 June at a residence on 18083 Road in the Better Life area. The victims were reportedly drinking together when unknown assailants stormed the home and opened fire.
The victims, aged between 28 and 39, died at the scene as emergency services declared them dead and rushed a fourth man to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
Detectives from the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit are investigating three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.
ONE KILLED AND FOUR INJURED IN NYANGA MASS SHOOTING
Just hours later, on Monday evening, 16 June 2025, another deadly shooting erupted in the Siyajlala informal settlement in Nyanga. At around 17:00 on 16 June, gunmen entered a premises allegedly searching for someone before unleashing a hail of bullets.
Emergency responders found a 47-year-old man dead at the scene. They took four injured men, aged 30 to 40, to a medical facility.
Police are probing a case of murder and four attempted murder charges in the Nyanga incident. Like the Philippi shooting, the suspects remain at large.
What does this brazen attack say about rising violence and safety?
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