Parkwood, Cape Town – A grieving father is grappling with unimaginable loss after his 26-year-old daughter, Samantha Carelse, was tragically shot and killed in a mass shooting in Parkwood on Sunday evening. The devastating incident occurred just a day after Samantha celebrated her birthday, leaving her family and friends reeling from the sudden and violent end to her young life.
The shooting took place at approximately 6 pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025, inside a property on Ivy Road, Parkwood. Samantha Carelse, a mother of one, was among five victims who were shot in what police are investigating as a possible gang-related attack. Sadly, Samantha and a 28-year-old man succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while three other victims were wounded and rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Mark Carelse, Samantha's heartbroken father, spoke to the Daily Voice about the devastating loss of his only daughter. His voice heavy with grief, he recounted the bittersweet memory of celebrating her 26th birthday just the day before the tragedy struck.
"The saddest part is that my daughter celebrated her 26th birthday on Saturday," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I still wished and kissed her, and the next day, she was dead."
The pain of losing his only daughter is compounded by the fact that Samantha leaves behind a young son, aged nine or ten, who is now without his mother. Mark described the profound impact of Samantha's death on her son and the rest of their family.
"She is my only daughter, and I have five sons," Mark explained. "She has a son who is still in Primary School, and he is about nine or 10 years old."
In a candid revelation, Mark Carelse disclosed that his daughter had struggled with drug addiction but vehemently denied any involvement in gangsterism. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the tragedy, raising questions about the motive behind the shooting and whether Samantha's past struggles played a role in her untimely death.
"She was addicted to drugs, but she was not involved in any gangsterism," Mark asserted, his voice firm despite the emotional turmoil.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain shrouded in mystery, and police are working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to the tragic loss of life. According to reports, the suspects arrived at the Ivy Road property in a blue Polo, but the motive for the attack remains unknown.
Mark Carelse recounted the moment he learned of his daughter's death, a scene etched forever in his memory. He had just returned from work when his son came running towards him, overcome with grief.
"I was coming from work when my son came running to me huil huil and said 'pa hulle het vir Samantha geskiet'," Mark recalled, his voice trembling. He immediately rushed to the scene, his heart pounding with dread.
Upon arriving at the property, Mark discovered that the shooting had taken place inside a wendy house. Samantha and the 28-year-old man were found dead inside the structure, while another woman lay wounded. The scene was one of utter devastation, a stark reminder of the brutal reality of gun violence that plagues many communities in South Africa.
"When I got to the scene, I found out that inside the property, where the shooting took place, is a wendy house where they were shot," Mark explained. "Samantha and the 28-year-old man were shot dead inside the house, and another woman was wounded."
The blue Polo, believed to be the vehicle used by the suspects, has become a focal point of the investigation. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the occupants of the vehicle and shed light on the motive behind the shooting.
"I heard the suspects arrived in a blue Polo," Mark said. "I don't know what is the motive for these murders. I am still trying to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident."
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a spokesperson for the Grassy Park police, confirmed that the matter is under investigation and that no arrests have been made as yet. He provided details about the incident and the ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Grassy Park police are investigating two counts of murder and three of attempted murder following a shooting incident on Sunday evening, 16 November 2025, at about 6 pm, in Ivy Road, Parkwood, in which a 26-year-old female and a 28-year -old male were shot and fatally wounded and three other victims wounded," Sergeant Twigg stated.
Police officers who attended the crime scene found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 26-year-old female and the 28-year-old male were declared dead at the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment.
"Police members attended the crime scene at the mentioned address where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies," Sergeant Twigg explained. "The 26 and 28-year-old victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment."
The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation, and police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The motive for the attack remains unclear and forms a central part of the police investigation.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made," Sergeant Twigg said. "The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation."
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously. The appeal underscores the importance of community involvement in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
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