By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has condemned a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of three people and left another critically injured in Nyanga on Christmas Day.
The tragic incident occurred late on the evening of Wednesday, 25 December 2025, at a residence located on Mplangeni Street in the Ofcon Hostel area.
According to Colonel Andrè Traut, spokesperson, the chaos erupted around 10pm when two unidentified assailants reportedly entered a single-room dwelling and unleashed a barrage of bullets on the unsuspecting occupants.
“The victims, aged between 25 and 40 years, suffered fatal wounds, while the fourth victim was hurriedly transported to the hospital with critical injuries,” Traut said.
The preliminary report indicate that the assault may have been motivated by revenge or an intent to eliminate a potential witness.
However, Traut cautioned that this theory remains under scrutiny as detectives continue their inquiries into the harrowing event.
No arrests have been made thus far. Traut confirmed that the case is presently staffed by detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, who are diligently chasing down every lead to apprehend the perpetrators.
Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile condemned the senseless violence and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to justice.
To bolster the safety of residents in the vicinity, police visibility in the area has been heightened in the aftermath of this grievous event, said Patekile
Authorities are appealing to the public for help, urging anyone with pertinent information that could aid the investigation to reach out to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or to utilise the MySAPS mobile application.