A surge in gang-related violence has left three men dead and one wounded following a brazen shooting in the Grassy Park area, prompting community concern and a heightened police response.
Three alleged members of the notorious Americans gang were fatally shot in what authorities have described as a targeted attack on Sunday evening. A fourth individual, also believed to be affiliated with the gang, sustained injuries but declined emergency medical treatment at the scene.
The shootings occurred shortly after 8pm on 18 May, as the victims sat outside a residence in Kiewiet Way, Parkwood on the Cape Flats. According to law enforcement, an unidentified group of assailants approached in a white vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Witnesses estimate that as many as 20 shots were fired in rapid succession.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed the incident and the ongoing investigation led by the Anti-Gang Unit.
“The incident claimed the lives of three men, believed to be in their thirties and forties. The victims were sitting outside a residence in Kiewiet Way, Parkwood, at approximately 8pm when unknown suspects opened fire on them from a white vehicle,”
Traut said.
“The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting. A fourth victim, aged 24, sustained injuries but declined medical assistance from emergency services at the scene.”
This attack follows a related incident in Lotus River, where two alleged gang members from Kensington, affiliated with the Americans, were also gunned down. These shootings are suspected to be linked to tensions between rival gangs operating in the area.
The Chairperson of the Kensington Community Policing Forum (CPF), Jameelah Liedeman, expressed her concern about the broader impact on residents and the unusual silence from community members.
“When it comes to certain gang members people just do not talk out. Thus far, I have only seen three posts of people acknowledging the deceased—usually everyone would be talking about it,”
Liedeman told the *Daily Voice*.
“I have messaged both our ward councillor as well as our station commander. We will have plans in place for any issues that may arise.”
The muted public response in areas like Kensington suggests a complex dynamic between community fear and desensitisation in the face of recurring violence. While gang-related killings are tragically familiar in many parts of Cape Town, the absence of public outrage in this case has prompted introspection among local leaders.
Grassy Park CPF spokesperson Howard Downes addressed the impact of the killings on local morale and the immediate steps being taken to stabilise the situation.
“Following the recent triple shooting/murder in Kiewiet Way, Parkwood, this incident is a severe setback for the community’s sense of security,”
said Downes.
“The CPF is mandated to building trust between residents and law enforcement agencies, urging citizens to report suspicious activity to SAPS.”
The CPF has pledged to work in coordination with local police and community-based organisations to review and adapt safety measures in response to emerging threats.
“As developments continue the community can expect that CPF leadership, in coordination with local police and community organisations, will adjust and reinforce the safety measures to meet security concerns,”
Downes added.
“We are extremely concerned about these brazen acts of cowardice and do not condone these attacks in our communities.”
The Grassy Park CPF issued a stern rebuke of the violence and urged residents to support ongoing investigations rather than engage in retaliatory action or antagonise law enforcement.
“Grassy Park CPF condemns this heinous act of violence and urges the community to remain calm, respect SAPS investigations and refrain from attacks on our members in blue.”
With investigations still in their early stages, police have called on anyone with relevant information to come forward. Authorities emphasised that tips can be provided anonymously. Community members are encouraged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
