The community of Gugulethu has been left in shock and fear after a night of gunfire claimed the lives of four people and left three others wounded in two separate attacks.
The first incident unfolded on Sunday, 14 September 2025, at approximately 17:30 in the Barcelona informal settlement. Police rushed to the scene following reports of gunfire and discovered the bodies of two men. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that detectives have opened two counts of murder. He noted that the investigation points to a possible extortion motive.
“Gugulethu police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Sunday afternoon, 14 September 2025, at about 17:30, in the Barcelona informal settlement and upon arrival on the scene they found the bodies of two adult males who sustained gunshot wounds. The victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be extortion-related. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
Barely two hours later, gunfire erupted again, this time in the Europe informal settlement. At around 19:00, five people between the ages of 18 and 32 came under attack. A man and a woman were killed in the hail of bullets, while three others were left injured and rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.
Sergeant Twigg confirmed that detectives have not yet established the full circumstances behind the second attack.
“The attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
The twin shootings have rattled Gugulethu residents, raising questions about safety and whether the incidents are linked. Authorities are pursuing leads but have not confirmed if the same group of suspects was responsible for both attacks.
Community members have been urged to step forward with any information that could assist investigators.
Anyone with knowledge of the incidents is asked to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to use the MySAPS mobile application. Reports can be submitted anonymously.
These violent events have intensified concerns about escalating crime in Cape Town’s townships, where issues such as gang activity and extortion remain pressing threats. Residents in Gugulethu are now grappling with grief, while police attempt to restore calm and bring those responsible to justice.
