The Western Cape Police have announced a R100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for a mass shooting on Blode Street, Lavender Hill, on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The attack left five people dead and three others wounded.
According to a police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, the victims were reportedly gathered at a residence, drinking, when unidentified gunmen forced their way inside around 20:00 and opened fire indiscriminately. Police confirmed that among the deceased were four men and one woman, while three others – a man and two women – sustained injuries.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Sizakhele Dyantyi said at a media briefing, “In order to ensure that people that are victims receive justice in terms of the incident, we have offered R100,000 reward to anyone who has information that can assist the South African Police Service in terms of resolving this particular case.” He added, “It cannot be normal that people are killed in numbers in communities we live in.
The police suspect the shooting could be gang-related, but no official motive has been established. The Anti-Gang Unit has launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators, with no arrests confirmed at the time of reporting.
The Western Cape Government released a statement condemning the shooting and called for intensified intelligence-driven operations against gang groups. Community Safety Minister Anroux Marais said, “No community should have to endure such senseless bloodshed or live in constant fear for their safety.”
Lavender Hill has long been plagued by gang violence and crime, escalating fears and insecurity among residents. The recent shooting is seen as part of a wider pattern of violence afflicting the area and similar Cape Flats communities.
Police and senior SAPS management visited the scene on Sunday, 25 October, underscoring the seriousness of the attack and the urgent need to bring those responsible to justice.
At this stage, authorities have not released the identities of the deceased or the injured, citing ongoing investigations and respect for families. The exact motive and any potential gang connections remain unconfirmed. Cape Flats.co.za will follow developments and update readers as more verified information becomes available.