Cape Flats

Kensington was jolted awake on Saturday morning when a gang-related drive-by shooting unfolded in full view of residents, leaving four men wounded and reigniting fears over escalating violence in the area. The shooting occurred at the corner of 12th Street and 6th Avenue, a residential intersection that has increasingly become associated with turf disputes and criminal activity.

According to preliminary information, the four men were standing together when a white Toyota Etios carrying three occupants approached at speed and opened fire. Bullets struck all four victims, with one man suffering two gunshot wounds to the chest, while the remaining three were shot in their legs, underscoring the brazen and indiscriminate nature of the attack.

Gang Rivalries Under Investigation

Authorities have indicated that the shooting is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between two local gangs, reportedly the Americans and the Nice Time Kids. While police have not officially confirmed the motive, investigators acknowledge that the incident fits a broader pattern of retaliatory violence that has plagued the community in recent months.

Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that four counts of attempted murder have been registered and that no arrests have been made at this stage, as detectives continue to pursue leads and appeal for information from the public.

“Kensington Police registered four counts of attempted murder, following a shooting incident that occurred at the corner of 12th Street and 6th Avenue in Kensington this morning 10 January 2026.

At around 9.44am, four males aged between 26 and 32 were standing in the street, a white Toyota Etios with three occupants, drove by and started shooting.

One of the victims sustained two gunshot wounds on his chest while the other three sustained wounds to their legs.

The motive for the shooting is a subject of police investigation, no arrest has been made yet.”

Community Leadership Raises Alarm

Local ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg described the shooting as a direct consequence of unresolved gang conflicts and warned that innocent residents are increasingly caught in the crossfire. He noted that efforts to mediate between rival groups have been ongoing, but progress remains limited due to a lack of cooperation from all sides.

Steenberg expressed particular concern about the timing of the violence, as schools are set to reopen in the coming days, heightening fears for the safety of children and families who must navigate these streets daily.

“This is gang-related. The men are alleged members of one of the local gangs.

We will never know the real reason behind this current gang violence happening in the community but what we do know from our information on the ground is that it’s a fight between two local gangs.

Sadly, the gang violence is affecting everyone in the community and I am quite concerned because schools are opening in the next few days.

I hope we can find a solution and peace to this that will benefit everybody.”

Strained Resources And Hidden Weapons

While law enforcement agencies continue to patrol the area, Steenberg acknowledged the strain on available resources and emphasised that police, law enforcement officers and metro police are operating under difficult conditions. Despite this, he said authorities remain committed to stabilising the area and preventing further bloodshed.

He also raised a troubling issue of residents allegedly hiding firearms and ammunition for gang members, a practice he described as deeply dangerous and destructive to the community’s safety.

“SAPS is doing what they need to do with the resources they have at their disposal, with the help of Law Enforcement and Metro Police.

From my office side, we are constantly trying to broker peace with the support of our religious and community leaders in the ward but it is difficult if all parties are not willing to come to the table.

One gang is willing to talk peace, the other is not willing to talk peace.

Another concern we have is community members shielding these gangs guns and ammunition at their homes.

My office has started the process where we are reporting known city houses and rentals to the relevant departments within the city who are harboring these gangsters and their guns.”

Victims Ages And Charges Registered

The four injured men were all between the ages of 26 and 32, highlighting the continued involvement of young adults in gang-related violence across the Cape Flats. Their injuries, while serious, were not reported as fatal at the time of publication.

Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active and that additional arrests may follow as information is verified and suspects identified.