Two Killed, Four Injured in Drive-By Shooting in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain
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Cape Town, South Africa – July 6, 2025 — A quiet evening in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, turned into a nightmare for residents after a brutal drive-by shooting left six people shot, with two confirmed dead and the rest seriously injured. The brazen act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community and drawn renewed attention to the ongoing issue of gang violence and insecurity in the area.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday evening when unknown gunmen opened fire from a moving vehicle on a group of people who had gathered outside a residence on Tramway Road. The gunmen, believed to be using high-caliber weapons, unleashed a barrage of bullets before speeding away from the scene.
Emergency responders arrived minutes later to find a harrowing scene — wounded victims lying in the street and frantic residents trying to provide aid. Two victims, a 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, were declared dead on the scene by paramedics. The remaining four victims, ranging in age from 17 to 40, were rushed to Mitchells Plain District Hospital, where at least two remain in critical condition.
Police have launched an urgent investigation into the shooting, with authorities suggesting that the attack may be gang-related — a pattern not unfamiliar to the area. Mitchells Plain, particularly Beacon Valley, has long been plagued by turf wars between rival gangs, often leaving innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
“This was a cowardly and callous act of violence,” said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, SAPS spokesperson. “We are pursuing several leads and urge anyone with information, including those who may have witnessed the incident or seen suspicious vehicles in the area, to come forward. We will not rest until those responsible are behind bars.”
Disturbing video footage of the aftermath has surfaced on social media, including in the comments section of local community forums. The videos show chaotic scenes, with neighbors crying, police tape being strung across the street, and victims being treated at the scene. While the footage is helping with the investigation, it has also deepened the trauma experienced by those who witnessed the attack firsthand.
“This is not the life we want for our children,” said Natasha Williams, a local resident who lives two doors down from where the shooting happened. “We can’t even stand outside our homes without worrying that a bullet might come our way. How many more people need to die before real change happens?”
Community leaders and anti-crime activists have condemned the shooting and called for intensified policing efforts, better street lighting, surveillance, and long-promised government intervention in gang-ridden neighborhoods. Many have also renewed calls for job creation, youth outreach programs, and rehabilitation centers aimed at breaking the cycle of gang affiliation.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said his department would be working closely with SAPS to bolster law enforcement visibility and deploy additional resources to the area.
“We know Beacon Valley is under siege. The only way to regain control is through sustained policing and comprehensive community support initiatives,” he said in a public statement.
As the community grieves the loss of two more lives and prays for the recovery of the wounded, fear and frustration continue to simmer across Mitchells Plain. Vigils are being planned by local church groups and neighborhood watches to honor the victims and call for peace.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app to provide anonymous tips. Police say no arrests have been made yet, but investigations are ongoing.
In the meantime, the people of Beacon Valley wake up once again to tragedy — caught in the crossfire of violence that has become all too familiar, longing for the day when peace is more than a promise.