Extortion suspected as motive behind Gugulethu shooting

The community of Gugulethu is reeling after seven people were shot in two separate incidents.

The motive for one of the attacks is suspected to be extortion-related.

The shootings took place on Sunday evening, with police probing the murder of two men in one attack, while two others were killed when a group of five came under fire.

The first shooting incident was reported in Barcelona informal settlement at around 5.30pm.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Gugulethu detectives are investigating two counts of murder.

“Gugulethu police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Sunday afternoon, 14 September 2025, at about 5:30pm, in the Barcelona informal settlement and upon arrival on the scene they found the bodies of two adult males who sustained gunshot wounds," Twigg said. 

"The victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be extortion-related. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”

Later, around 7pm, five people between the ages of 18 to 32 were gunned down in Europe informal settlement.

A man and woman did not survive the onslaught and three people aged 18 and 32 were wounded and transported to hospital for medical assistance.

Twigg said: "The attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said a 26-year-old is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in connection with a double murder in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein early Sunday morning.

"The suspect who was taken in for questioning by Serious Violent Crime detectives on Sunday evening was charged on Monday," Potelwa said. 

She added that investigations into other shooting incidents where three men were killed, one injured and a woman raped early on Sunday continue with Serious Violent Crime detectives hard at work.

"As the investigation gains momentum it is envisaged that all the cases registered will be solved in due course," Potelwa said. 

The community has experienced multiple violent incidents in recent weeks. Last Wednesday, three men accused of criminal activity were killed in a vigilante-style attack and set alight by community members at Laboheme Street. 

Anyone with any information on the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Cape Times