Manhunt launched after multiple shootings leave five dead in Mitchells Plain

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has expressed deep outrage and concern following a number of gang-related shootings in Mitchells Plain on Thursday, 3 July 2025. The shootings left five people dead and seven others injured.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) reports, the first shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 in Beacon Valley, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries. This was followed by four more incidents across the area, claiming three additional lives and injuring four others.

Last night Minister Marais was briefed at the Mitchells Plain SAPS Station, where she was informed that a 72-hour operational plan has been activated in response to the violence. The plan, which will run over the weekend, includes a multi-disciplinary task team comprising the Anti-Gang Unit, Tactical Response Team, and Crime Intelligence.

To strengthen the SAPS’ effort, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government has deployed nearly 60 officers from various units including the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP), Metro Police Tactical Response Unit, and Traffic Services Roadblock Unit. Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit have also launched an urgent investigation and are actively pursuing those responsible.

Minister Marais said, “I commend the South African Police Service and the City of Cape Town for their swift and coordinated response. I urge them to use every resource available to apprehend those responsible for terrorising our communities. I also appeal to members of the public: if you have any information that could assist the police, please come forward. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”

Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt, Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za