Police have launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old Muslim cleric outside a mosque in Lentegeur on Wednesday night, just as the holy month of Ramadan started.

According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in Candytuft Street at around 22:55 on 18 February 2026, where they found the victim’s body lying in the street.

Police say the deceased had just left the mosque after evening Taraweeh prayers when he was gunned down by unknown suspects. “The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined,” police said in a statement.

The victim has been identified by the Salaamudien Masjid as Moulana Mustaqeem Wanza.

In an official notice, the mosque said, “It is with profound shock and deep sadness that we confirm that Moulana Mustaqeem Wanza was shot outside our masjid shortly after Taraweeh this evening and has since passed away.”

The mosque leadership extended condolences to his family and urged calm within the community, adding:

“We respectfully urge the community to refrain from speculation and from sharing unverified information. We will allow the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation.” Two other individuals present at the time were confirmed unharmed.

The Darul Ulama Association Western Cape described Wanza as a respected religious figure whose influence reached far beyond his local community.

In a statement, the organisation said his “beautiful rendition of the Holy Qur’an… touched the hearts of Muslims across the global spectrum,” adding that his voice “will be sorely missed” and that he had inspired many young people to pursue the path of the Qur’an.

Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application. Investigations are ongoing.

The City of Cape Town has confirmed a serious safety incident along the N2 highway after three armed suspects allegedly attempted to stop motorists on Wednesday afternoon, 18 February.

According to City officials, the incident occurred shortly before 14:00 near the Mew Way off-ramp, where three male suspects were reportedly seen pointing a firearm at passing vehicles in an apparent attempt to force motorists to pull over.

Law Enforcement officers and Traffic Services responded within minutes, but the suspects fled the scene, escaping into dense reeds nearby.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the incident highlights ongoing safety concerns along the busy highway corridor.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder that improved walling along the N2 is urgently needed to keep our residents safe from brazen attacks,” Smith said.

“The City continues to deploy close to 100 officials to the highways as part of our Freeway Management Plan, and our teams will continue to monitor the area closely.”

Smith added that residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.

WATCH: Mayor takes N2 security wall pitch to communities amid backlash

Political concern over repeated incidents

Meanwhile, the Freedom Front Plus in Cape Town has expressed alarm over what it describes as a growing pattern of attacks targeting motorists along the N2.

Ward councillor Emre Uygun said the party was “deeply shocked and alarmed” by images circulating online showing armed individuals attempting to force vehicles off the road.

Uygun said the latest incident follows a similar case reported a day earlier near the Spine Road turnoff, where an armed suspect allegedly stood in the roadway attempting to stop vehicles.

He questioned the effectiveness of previously announced safety deployments, including the rollout of additional Metro Police officers near Cape Town International Airport last year.

“The situation on the N2 is spiralling out of control and requires urgent intervention from all three spheres of government,” Uygun said, adding that visible policing, rapid-response operations and coordinated enforcement between the City, SAPS and SANRAL were needed.

Uygun also called for intelligence-driven deployments and drone surveillance, arguing that suspects frequently escape into nearby informal settlements after incidents.

Calls for coordinated response

The City maintains that highway patrols remain active and form part of a broader freeway safety strategy, while political leaders are calling for stronger intergovernmental coordination to address crime along major transport routes.

No injuries were reported in Wednesday’s incident, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious behaviour on highways.

READ: R114 million earmarked to build security wall on N2 hell run

Hout Bay residents are urged not to spread unverified information following the discovery of an unidentified body found in an abandoned house near the Sea View Flats in Hangberg yesterday.

Several videos and pictures has been shared on social media, showing a body, wrapped in a bag or sheet and stuffed into an old cupboard.

Community leader Roscoe Jacobs, stressed the importance of giving the family of the deceased space to grieve without the interference of information that could hinder investigations.

“There is a lot of speculation and rumours circulating about the incident and the condition of the body. Allow the police to do their job without any interference or hearsay. We also have to respect the family and give them the privacy they need during this difficult time.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since confirmed that a case of murder is being investigated.

“The identity is yet to be determined as the body was found decomposed. Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, alternatively, utilise the MySAPS app to report anonymously.”

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is urging parents to be alert to the warning signs of childhood cancer and to seek medical help without delay.

Hospitals, including Tygerberg Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, stress that early detection dramatically increases survival rates.

Paediatric Oncologist Anel van Zyl from Tygerberg Hospital says brain tumours and leukaemia are among the most common childhood cancers and respond well to treatment if caught early.

“Parents should be alert to persistent symptoms such as a white spots in the eye, new squints or bulging eyes, any lumps or swelling anywhere on the body must be investigated, unexplained fevers of more than two weeks and weight loss is also common symptoms.”

Meanwhile Professor Alan Davidson, Head of the Haematology and Oncology at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, emphasises the importance of awareness.

“Early recognition allows for quicker diagnosis and better outcomes. While some symptoms may resemble common childhood illnesses, prompt investigation is essential.”

Paediatric Cancer in South Africa

In the Cape Town, approximately 100 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year. While overall childhood cancer incidence has remained relatively stable over time, absolute case numbers continue to rise in line with population growth. Certain cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, have shown increases within specific population groups, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and targeted research.

Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are rare. This rarity increases the risk of delayed diagnosis, as early symptoms often mimic common childhood illnesses such as infections, growing pains, or fatigue. Delays in referral can significantly affect treatment complexity, survival rates, and long-term outcomes.