The Cape was hit by another mass murder over the weekend, this time in Samora Machel, where the lives of three young men were snuffed out and leaving a fourth victim injured.
The shooting occurred on Saturday morning in Oliver Tambo Drive before 12pm when the victims aged between 16 to 21 years were seated inside a white Suzuki Ertiga when they were targeted by unidentified suspects who opened fire.
Three victims between the ages of 16 to 21 were fatally wounded, while a 19-year-old was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that detectives from the Serious and Violent Crime Unit are on the case.
Traut reported “The South African Police Service strongly condemns the violent shooting incident that claimed the lives of three young people in Samora Machel on Saturday morning, 24 January 2026.
“The motive for the attack is still unknown.
“Samora Machel SAPS has registered three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Police deployments in the area have been reinforced, with increased visibility and patrols to stabilise the community and maintain law and order.”
Chairperson for the Samora Machel Community Police Forum, Sydwell Nibongoza said that although he does not know the circumstances that led to this shooting but added that the area has been plagued by gun violence every day.
While he claimed that the violence is not linked to gangsterism, he said extortion was rife.
He explained “I do not have all the details in regards to what happened with this specific shooting but the situation in Samora Machel is very bad.
“There are shootings on a daily basis. It is not gangsters but the perpetrators are robbers and also the extortionists. At the moment, we do not have any plan yet [to help curb the gun violence].”
The SAPS remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice and urges anyone with information to contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS.