A gang war is said to be brewing in Bonteheuwel, following recent shootings in the area. 

Police have confirmed two separate shooting incidents in Bonteheuwel within days of each other.  

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, said Bishop Lavis SAPS members responded to a shooting in Karee Road in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 January 2026.  

“[Officers] found a body of a 28-year-old male on the street with gunshot wounds on his head and back. A case of murder was registered for investigation; no arrest has been made yet,” Gwala said. 

Then, a second incident was reported on Wednesday, where police were called to the corner of Keur and Kersboom Road at around 06:00.  

Gwala confirmed that officers found a man who was also fatally shot.   

“Bishop Lavis police attended the scene and found the deceased laying on the street in front of a supermarket with a gunshot wound on his chest and back. According to reports, a grey motor vehicle stopped next to the deceased, and the occupants gave him fruit, before opening fire,” said Gwala.  

The motive for both shootings remains under investigation. 

Ward councillor, Angus McKenzie, said these incidents come in the wake of residents raising concerns over a brewing conflict between rival gangs over control of drug turf in that part of Bonteheuwel. 

“We’ve received strong information over the last few days from residents within that area of a brewing fight between the American and Fancy’s gang for drug turf in the area. Our officers have been relentlessly pursuing tip-off information over the last week in that area and will continue their relentless approach to ensure that this does not get out of hand,” said McKenzie.  

McKenzie indicated that several people were taken in for questioning following the latest incident.  

“I can confirm that based on strong information received, a number of individuals were taken into custody [Wednesday] morning in connection with the shooting. Those individuals will be profiled and questioned, and our hope is that it will link directly back to the shooting so that a formal arrest can happen.” 

He further stressed the importance of community cooperation, calling on residents to assist police so that suspects can be arrested and prosecuted.  

“We will continue to work with the community, with them providing us information and our teams acting upon it to ensure we nip these shootings in the bud immediately. We cannot allow it to linger. We have to act and we have to act quickly and decisively,” said McKenzie.