Gang violence in Cape Town: Activists call for urgent intervention

An alleged leader of the Six Bob gang and two brothers have been shot and killed in sporadic shootings in Cape Town over the weekend, as community activists call for intervention.

People Against Gangsterism and Crime (Pagad), also shared a stern warning to alleged gunmen and drug dealers to stop the mayhem, while residents in Lentegeur carried out a peaceful march on Friday in response to shootings in the area.

Police were called to a scene in Victoria Road, Grassy Park on Saturday, where a 51-year-old man allegedly known as “Taswell Six Bob,” was shot and killed outside the KFC.

It’s alleged the man was a prominent leader of the gang and videos of the scene were shared widely on social media showing his vehicle riddled with bullets.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said officers managed to make an arrest within hours.

“The sporadic weekend saw Grassy Park police register a murder following a shooting incident on March 8, 2025, at about 1:40pm at the corner of Klip Road and Victoria Road, Grassy Park, where a 51-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded.

“According to reports, SAPS members attended a crime scene at the above mentioned address.

"Upon their arrival they found the deceased with several gunshot wounds to the upper body.

“Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation.

"Motive is believed to be gang related.

“A 29 year old suspect was arrested on March 8, 2025, and will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court once charged.”

Van Wyk said police were called to Galaxy Close in Ocean View the day before, just after  9:30pm, where two brothers were found murdered inside a house.

“Ocean View police registered two counts of murder following a shooting incident on March 7, 2025 at about 9:30pm at a premises in Galaxy Close, where two brothers aged 22 and 31 were shot and fatally wounded (one died on the scene and one in hospital).                    

“According to reports, police attended a shooting incident at the mentioned address and on their arrival, they found a male laying on the kitchen floor upstairs, deceased. 

“They were informed that four unknown males with their faces covered jumped over the fence and started shooting at the two brothers, and that the other brother was taken to hospital, where he died due to injuries sustained. 

“The motive for this incident forms part of the police investigation.”

In Elsies River, police managed to arrest a suspect after he shot and wounded a Metro Police Officer on Thursday evening.

The Elsies River Safety Initiative called for an intervention to curb shootings in the area.

“The situation in Elsies River is catastrophic. The constant violence and bloodshed have created a war-like environment, with innocent lives being lost daily. The lack of effective intervention and prevention is alarming.

“We urge authorities to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and take immediate, drastic action.

"The deployment of additional resources, including the army, is necessary to address the proliferation of guns and gang violence.

“The current approach is inadequate. Law enforcement officers are being sent into high-risk areas without sufficient protection, putting their lives at risk. The City of Cape Town must provide them with the necessary gear and support.

“We demand a comprehensive and coordinated response to address the root causes of this crisis. This includes increased support for law enforcement, community-based initiatives, and economic development programs.”

Cape Argus