Cape Town – An alarming resurgence in gang-related violence has gripped parts of Cape Town, as a feud between the Clever Kidz and Hard Livings gangs erupted into a series of shootings over the weekend. The latest wave of conflict has already claimed the life of a reputed gang leader and left several others wounded, including one man who was shot in the head while walking across an open field.
Police investigations are currently underway following multiple violent incidents, one of which was recorded on a mobile phone by a nearby resident. Disturbingly, officers responding to one of the shootings were attacked by members of the public, who allegedly helped a suspect evade arrest.
The series of events began late on Friday night in Renoster Road, when three individuals linked to the Hard Livings gang were shot in what witnesses described as a sudden and unprovoked attack. According to an insider with knowledge of gang dynamics in the area, there had been no public indication of conflict prior to the shooting.
“What we have established is that the Clever Kidz came and shot three HLs seemingly for no reason as far as the community knew it was peace between the two gangs,”
said the source, speaking to the Daily Voice.
Colonel Harry Brickles, acting station commander, confirmed the attack, noting that the shooting occurred just after midnight.
“Three males were transported to hospital with various injuries,”
he said.
The violence continued into Saturday morning, when a 30-year-old man associated with the Hard Livings gang was ambushed while attempting to cross a small open field, commonly referred to as a veldjie, near the corner of Thames and Sabie roads. He had reportedly been on his way to buy alcohol when gunmen opened fire.
Mobile phone footage captured from one of the nearby flats shows the man trying in vain to flee as gunshots ring out, ultimately hitting him in the head.
Colonel Brickles elaborated on the incident, saying:
“At 9.40am on Saturday a 30-year-old male was injured in a gang shooting. It is alleged that he was crossing an open field on the corner of Thames and Sabie Road [and] came under gunfire as he was walking.
“He is an alleged gang member crossing between territories when he came under fire. He was struck in the left side of his head, by unknown assailants. He was taken to Heideveld Emergency Centre for treatment. A case of attempted murder has been opened for investigation.”
In a shocking twist, the aftermath of the shooting saw Metro Police officers attacked by members of the community as they tried to apprehend the suspected gunman. The alleged shooter had been found in possession of a firearm, but before officers could detain him, he escaped with the assistance of residents.
Metro Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons confirmed the encounter.
“On Saturday, Metro Police officers on patrol in Manenberg responded to a ShotSpotter alert.
“At Hilda Court, officers conducted stop and searches, and found an adult male in possession of a 9mm pistol with an empty magazine. When they tried to arrest him, he became riotous and with assistance from the members of the public, he managed to escape. Officers booked in the firearm as evidence at Manenberg SAPS.”
The cycle of violence culminated later that same day in what authorities believe was a retaliatory hit. A 51-year-old man, alleged to be a senior figure in the Clever Kidz gang, was gunned down outside his home. Witnesses reported hearing a barrage of gunfire before discovering the man’s lifeless body.
Colonel Brickles described the fatal shooting:
“A 51-year-old male was fatally wounded in a gang-related shooting. According to eye witnesses, he was standing at the entrance of his home when he came under attack.
“Several shots rang out and when family members came out they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and head. No arrests have been made.”
Residents now fear that these incidents signal the beginning of a larger conflict. Community leaders have expressed concern over the breakdown of order and the hostility directed at law enforcement personnel.
Vanessa Adriaanse, spokesperson for the Community Policing Forum, said the events have left locals deeply unsettled.
“The community is very afraid that this will cause another gang war.
“What is disturbing is those who decided it is OK to attack the law enforcement and free one of the shooters.
“Just because JP [Smith] is DA and the police minister is ANC it does not mean the community must oppose every crime fighting initiative.”
While political affiliations are being questioned in the background, the immediate crisis remains the re-emergence of gang warfare and its devastating impact on the community. The attacks—seemingly random to bystanders—underscore the fragile peace that once existed between the rival factions, now shattered by bloodshed.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate each incident and have opened several cases, including one of attempted murder. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the killings, leaving residents on edge and uncertain about what the coming days may hold.
