Authorities are probing two separate murder cases that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, leaving residents in Delft and Steenberg shaken as investigators work to understand the motives behind the fatal attacks.
In Delft, a murder investigation was launched after the body of a man was discovered in Leeu Street, situated within the N2 Gateway housing development. The incident occurred around 06:00 on the morning of Sunday, 17 August 2025.
“Delft police registered a murder case for investigation after the body of an adult male was found in Leeu Street, N2 Gateway, on Sunday morning, 17 August 2025, at about 06:00,”
confirmed police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg.
Officers were dispatched to the location where the deceased was discovered with visible injuries to his face.
“Police members were called to the crime scene where they found the victim with injuries to his face. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,”
added Sergeant Twigg.
At this stage, law enforcement officials have not determined the motive behind the attack.
“The motive for the attack is yet to be determined. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested,”
Sergeant Twigg said, confirming that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
While the community of Delft was grappling with the tragedy, another act of violence had already unfolded hours earlier in Steenberg. In that separate incident, a 27-year-old man was gunned down shortly after midnight.
According to police reports, the young man had been cycling along Choir Street when he came under fire from individuals inside a passing vehicle, believed to be a Toyota Quantum. Emergency medical services were summoned but were unable to save the victim, who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene.
“Police responded to Choir Street at about 12:08 am, where a 27-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded. According to reports, the victim was riding his bicycle when occupants of a Toyota Quantum opened fire on the victim,”
stated Sergeant Twigg.
“The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his body and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,”
he said.
Although police have not made any arrests in connection with the shooting, early indicators suggest a possible link to ongoing gang-related activity in the area.
“The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related. A case of murder is being investigated,”
Twigg confirmed.
Both Delft and Steenberg, communities that have faced a steady wave of violent crime in recent years, are once again left searching for answers. Residents, many of whom have grown wary of the escalating bloodshed, are calling for more visible policing and improved safety measures.
In the absence of arrests, the South African Police Service is urging members of the public who may have information about either incident to come forward.
“Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this incident to kindly contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously,”
concluded Sergeant Twigg.
