The impact of firearm violence on children in the Western Cape
Firearm-related injuries in the Western Cape paint a stark picture of violence and its consequences, with healthcare facilities bearing the brunt of this crisis.
Between 1 and 11 February 2025, Hospital Emergency Centre Triage and Information System (HECTIS)-linked sites, including clinics, hospitals, and emergency centres, recorded 2,694 cases of assault-related injuries, with 132 involving firearms.
The shocking number excludes the most recent incident where four-year-old Davin Africa was shot and killed while sleeping next to his pregnant mother in Wesbank.
This shooting occurred barely two years after his 12-year-old sister was also shot and killed.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness spokesperson, Shimoney Regter, explained the human impact behind these statistics.
“Each number represents a person—someone whose life has been affected by violence.
“Over the past week, the seven-day moving average of trauma cases has remained below 211 per day, but the strain on our healthcare workers is relentless.”
The prevalence of trauma-related injuries among children is particularly distressing. During the same 11-day period, 1,550 children between the ages of 2 and 18 received treatment for various injuries, including both accidents and intentional harm. Of these cases, 348 involved children aged 2–5 years, 454 involved children aged 6–10 years, and 748 involved children aged 11–18 years.
Regter described the situation as a “worrying picture,” noting that “too many young lives are being disrupted by violence and neglect,” and added that while certain areas are frequently highlighted in media reports for gang-related violence, many patients seek care outside their communities due to further threats of violence.
“These patients seek help outside of their immediate area due to the severity of their injuries, or the need for specialist treatment. Geographical data should not be viewed in isolation, as it does not fully capture the complexity of the situation.”
She said addressing the root causes of violence is crucial to reducing its impact on healthcare facilities and society as a whole.
“This crisis is not solely about crime—it is about the shared responsibility we all have in preventing violence. Irresponsible alcohol use, lack of supervision, and exposure to unsafe environments contribute significantly to the injuries sustained by children. We must ask ourselves if we are doing enough to create environments where violence is not normalised.”
Regter urged everyone to support initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of violence and promoting safer, more resilient communities, this includes parents, caregivers, educators, faith-based organisations, and community leaders.
“Our healthcare facilities will continue to provide the best possible care,” Regter concluded, “but the real solution lies in prevention—before another life is lost, and before another family is torn apart.”
Ilitha Labantu, a community organisation advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable groups, said they are also continuing to witness the devastating impact of gang violence on children caught in the crossfire.
“Over the years, we have dealt with numerous cases where innocent young lives are lost or forever altered by the brutality of gang-related shootings,” said Siya Monakali, spokesperson for Llitha Labantu.
“The recent murder of a four-year-old boy in Cape Town is yet another heartbreaking example of this ongoing crisis, which leaves deep psychological, emotional, and physical scars on the most vulnerable members of society.”
Monakali explained the trauma of gang violence extends far beyond the immediate incident.
“Survivors, siblings, and peers of those killed often experience severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a persistent sense of fear.
“The consequences ripple through entire communities, leaving them in a constant state of mourning and insecurity.”
He said while Ilitha Labantu regularly assists families in coping with the aftermath of such tragedies, the urgent need for comprehensive child protection measures in high-crime areas should be highlighted.
“While authorities make sporadic promises to address gang violence, meaningful action remains scarce. This failure of governance leaves children exposed to life-threatening dangers and long-term trauma.”
Ilitha Labantu called for immediate government action to implement increased security measures in vulnerable communities, expand access to mental health services for affected children, and proactively address the root causes of gang violence.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za