Six people have been killed and two others injured during a separate shooting incidents in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 20 January 2026) in Maitland, Cape Town.
The South African Police Service in the Western Cape strongly condemns the senseless violence. Serious Violent Crime Unit detectives are following up on all leads after a shooting reported at approximately 02:50 in Melck Street, Ndabeni. Maitland police were alerted by a passerby who reported a dog lying in a pool of blood. Upon responding, members discovered three women aged between 20 and 52, and an adult male, inside an informal dwelling. All four victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made.
In an unrelated incident at about 02:55, police responded to a shooting at the Maitland cemetery in Voortrekker Road, Kensington. Four males were found with gunshot wounds. Two men, aged 35 and 36, were declared deceased on the scene, while two others, aged 31 and 32, were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for this attack is believed to be gang-related. Anti-Gang Unit detectives are investigating two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. No arrests have yet been effected.
The SAPS will relentlessly pursue those responsible with the full might of the law and remains committed to restoring safety in affected communities.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated as confidential.
