The nation is reeling after a mass shooting in Gugulethu claimed the lives of seven people in the early hours of Saturday, 28 June. The incident, which occurred at approximately 3.30am in the Kanana informal settlement, has sparked outrage and fear within the community, prompting a massive police investigation and calls for urgent action to address the escalating violence on the Cape Flats.
“I heard gunshots early in the morning. Then, someone screamed, and I heard someone running. The gunfire went on for a while, then it was quiet. When police arrived, we came out and saw the bodies,” recounted a nearby resident who wished to remain anonymous. She added that five of the deceased appeared to be related and did not live in the area. “Only the man renting the shack lived here. He’s been around for about three months. It looks like he invited his cousins and friends over. One of the victims is from KTC and another from Delft.”
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut, confirmed the horrific incident, stating that patrol officers were alerted to the shooting at around 3am on Saturday. “Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of seven men, all with gunshot wounds. Preliminary information suggests that the victims were socialising in the kitchen when they were ambushed by unknown assailants.”
The identities of the deceased are being withheld as investigations continue, and the motive for the heinous crime remains unknown.
In a bid to gather crucial information, police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating two men, Linde Madolo and Loyiso Matinisi, who they believe may be able to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the mass killing.
“The Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in the Western Cape is appealing to the public for assistance in locating two men, Linde Madolo and Loyiso Matinisi, who may be able to provide crucial information regarding the mass murder of seven adult males in Gugulethu,” said Traut. He emphasised that “While the two individuals are not considered suspects at this stage, investigators believe they may be able to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Madolo or Matinisi to contact Sergeant Sithembele Sambunjelwa of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit on 073 416 5224, assuring the public that all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, visited the scene on Saturday morning, meeting with detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. He instructed them to explore every possible lead to uncover the truth behind the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“Violent and firearm-related crimes remain a top priority for the Western Cape SAPS, and no resource will be spared in the pursuit of justice,” affirmed Patekile.
The Gugulethu Community Police Forum (CPF), the Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board, and the Cape Flats Safety Forum have all vehemently condemned the weekend’s violent shooting in the Kanana informal settlement, as well as the broader surge in violence across the Cape Flats.
Gugulethu CPF chairperson Deon Makiti expressed the community’s shock and fear, stating that residents believe Madolo to be the alleged perpetrator, as he “was released just a week ago, and just over a week later, he is already committing murders, so you can imagine the frustration there.”
Patekile confirmed that Madolo was recently released from prison, having been arrested in connection with the murder of Lulama “Guffy” Dinginto, the Gugulethu CPF deputy chairperson, in December 2023. The case was reportedly struck off the roll due to the unavailability of a key witness.
Makiti said that they were meeting with SAPS to address increased visibility concerns. “We’re trying to engage with SAPS and all the other relevant stakeholders, and trying to engage with SAPS in terms of the incredible visibility of police so that they can keep the people in the community safe, because everyone now is in panic mode.” He added that they are trying to ensure that when the alleged perpetrator(s) in the case are arrested, they “at least have a watertight case that will not collapse”.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has voiced his deep concern and outrage at the Gugulethu shooting and other recent incidents of violence in the Western Cape, including the discovery of three bodies in the Samora Machel informal settlement and the deaths of three suspected hijackers in Nyanga.
“There is no doubt that the Cape Flats in Cape Town have indeed become the killing fields of the Western Cape, with the latest shooting of 7 people in Gugulethu. What the Police Ministry and Police Top Management must refuse to do, is to treat this as a normal trend and keep the normal methods of policing in place,” Mchunu asserted. “One thing that is crystal clear is that murderers are out there to kill.”
Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board spokesperson Rafique Foflonker condemned the “heinous acts,” stating that “These killings — whether gang-related or carried out by other organised criminal elements — have left families shattered, communities traumatised, and the very fabric of society under siege.”
Foflonker welcomed the Minister of Police’s call for intensified policing and intelligence-driven operations through the launch of Operation Shanela 2, but stressed that “what is now required is not only urgency, but unrelenting, focused, and sustained action from all levels of policing.”
As the investigation intensifies, the community of Gugulethu remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring a sense of safety and security to the area.
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