GATESVILLE – A 20-year-old woman has been murdered in a hail of gunfire in Gatesville, Athlone, during the early hours of Sunday morning. The gruesome discovery was made at approximately 5:40 am near the Gatesville Post Office.
Police reports indicate that the woman was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. A 24-year-old man, identified as her boyfriend, was also wounded in the attack, sustaining gunshot wounds to his arm and stomach. He was transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
According to Athlone Police spokesperson Sergeant Zita Norman, the shooting is believed to be gang-related. The wounded man is allegedly a member of the American gang. Norman stated: "SAPS Athlone was alerted to a shooting at Gatesville Post Office. Upon arrival they were pointed to an 20 year old that was shot three time and informed that her boyfriend was also shot but was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. He was found to have a gunshot wound sustained to his arm and stomach. [The] incident is confirmed to be gang related and the boyfriend is alleged to be an American gang member. Four cartridges were found on the scene."
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that Athlone police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder. Swartbooi reports: “Athlone police responded to a complaint on Sunday 20 July 2025. Upon arrival at the scene in Gatesville at about 5.40am they found the body of a woman who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, aged 20 was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. Another male aged 24 who also sustained injuries was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is believed to be gang-related.”
The suspects involved in the shooting fled the scene and remain at large. Police have launched a manhunt and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to their arrest.
The motive for the attack is believed to be linked to ongoing gang violence in the area. The investigation is ongoing as police work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and to identify the perpetrators.
The incident has heightened tensions in Gatesville, a community already grappling with the scourge of gang violence. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Athlone police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Follow Us on Twitter
