A 5-year-old child has become the latest victim of a mass shooting after being struck by a bullet at a premises in Mfeketho Street, Wallacedene, last night.

A 50-year-old man was shot and killed, while a 30-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were among those injured.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation.

“Kraaifontein police were called to the crime scene, where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 50-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were transported to a medical facility in a private vehicle. According to reports, two unknown suspects entered the premises and opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene.”

Police confirmed that cases of murder and attempted murder were registered for further investigation.

The Kraaifontein Community Police Forum (CPF) has since called on the community to assist police as they investigate the tragic incident.

CPF chairperson Mawethu Sila urged the community to work alongside the police and other authorities to help prevent violent crime before it happens. Sila said residents often have information about planned shootings or may witness incidents that could help police identify and arrest those responsible.

“We appeal to anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. Sometimes you know about the shooting incidents before the time, and we are appealing to the community to share this with the police so that incidents like this can be prevented.”

Meanwhile, the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition said criminals have become increasingly brazen in their attacks on communities. Chairperson Llewellyn MacMaster said it had become concerning to witness a trend in which criminals go into people’s homes to commit these crimes, often injuring children in the process.

“These incidents not only leave physical wounds and claim lives, but they also create a climate of fear and trauma that affects entire communities. When children are exposed to such violence, the long-term psychological impact can be devastating.”

MacMaster stressed that government needs to intensify efforts to establish the root causes of violent crime in the Cape Flats.

“We continue our call for government to strengthen intelligence-led policing, remove illegal firearms from our streets and restore public confidence in community safety. We also acknowledge that communities have a role to play in breaking the cycle of violence.”