Cape Town – Celebrations of Youth Day in Valhalla Park were marred by tragedy after a drive-by shooting left a 14-year-old girl wounded and two men dead. The incident, believed to be gang-related, has prompted condemnation from community leaders and renewed calls for action to address the ongoing violence affecting the youth.
The shooting occurred in Hilda Crescent shortly after 7pm on Monday, 16 June 2025. According to police reports, the victims were targeted in a drive-by attack, resulting in the deaths of two men, aged 20 and 33, and injuries to a 14-year-old girl.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Bishop Lavis police have registered two counts of murder and one of attempted murder for investigation.
Police members who attended the scene found the victims with gunshot wounds. The two men were declared dead at the scene by medical personnel, while the 14-year-old girl was transported to a medical facility in a private vehicle for treatment.
Sergeant Twigg stated that the motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related, and arrests are yet to be made. "The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related and arrests are yet to be made," he said.
Amanda Davids, Public Relations Officer for the Community Policing Forum (CPF), expressed the CPF's condemnation of the shooting.
"The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation so I cannot comment on that," Davids explained.
She further highlighted the significance of the shooting occurring on Youth Day, raising concerns about the state of the youth in the community. "What stood out for me about the shooting is that it happened on Youth Day. As a community we need to ask ourselves what is happening with our youth," she said.
Davids emphasised the need for community involvement in raising children and addressing the issues that lead to youth involvement in crime. "We have too many youth who grow up without parenting so as a community we need to stand up and go back to 'your child is my child'. Parents who know their children do wrong, stop hiding it," she urged.
Davids also noted that the day began with another murder scene in Kalksteenfontein, highlighting the pervasive nature of violence in the area. "We started Youth Day with a murder scene in Kalksteenfontein and ended with four shot in Valhalla Park," she said.
The police are appealing to anyone with information about the shooting incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
Follow Us on Twitter
