Nyanga – Christmas Day celebrations in Nyanga were marred by tragedy after a brutal shooting left three people dead and a fourth critically injured. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting a possible link to revenge or an attempt to eliminate a witness.
The attack occurred at approximately 10pm on Wednesday, 25 December 2025, at a residence in Mplangeni Street, Ofcon Hostel. According to a statement released by SAPS, two unknown suspects allegedly entered a single-room structure and opened fire on the occupants.
"The South African Police Service in the Western Cape strongly condemns the violent attack that claimed the lives of three people and left another critically injured in Nyanga on the evening of Wednesday, December 25," the statement read.
The three victims who succumbed to their wounds are estimated to be between the ages of 25 and 40. The fourth victim sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to hospital in a critical condition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut confirmed that the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the matter. "Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack is possibly linked to revenge or an attempt to eliminate a witness," Colonel Traut stated. "This remains subject to further investigation."
Colonel Traut added that no arrests have been made at this stage, but detectives are pursuing all leads to apprehend the suspects.
This latest incident underscores the dire crime situation in Nyanga, which has consistently topped the list of police stations with the highest murder rates, both nationally and provincially.
According to recent crime figures, Nyanga Police Station registered 79 murder cases between April and June this year, compared to 48 during the same period last year. This represents a staggering increase of 31 cases, or 64.6%. The area is also leading with hijacking in the province and the country. A total of 98 cases were reported, an increase of 17.
Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said he was not surprised by the figures. He said the numbers reflect what is harpening on the ground.
The police station serves Crossroads, Nyanga, Brown's Farm, some parts of Philippi East and many informal settlements.
The station is followed by Khayelitsha Police Station, which is on position four nationally and two in the Western Cape with 68 murder cases from 47 in 2023. The number increased with 21 cases, which equates to 44,5% rise.
Harare Police Station is in position five nationwide and three in the province with 65 murder cases from 58 cases the previous year. It increased by seven cases, a 12,1% gain.
In the carjacking category, Nyanga Police Station is also leading both nationally and provincially with 98 cases from 81 cases registered last year. The cases increased with 17 cases, a 21% uptick.
Harare Police Station is following on position two at national and provincial level with 92 cases from 100 cases, a decrease by eight.
Philippi-East Police Station is in fifth position on national and third provincial lists with 80 cases from 78 cases. It increases with only two cases and it makes 2,6%.
Khayelitsha Police Station is on 11th position nationally and fifth provincially with 53 cases from 39 cases. That is an increase of 35,9%.
Nyanga crime fighters believe extortion and taxi-related murders have contributed to the spike in the murder rate in the area.
The precinct was named the “murder capital” last week as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu presented the quarterly crime statistics.
“Nyanga is one of the 11 police stations which have seen an increase in the murder rate. In Philippi East, the increase is 76.5% increase, in Khayelitsha (it is) 44%. A lot of work, dedication and planning will be required. Overall, the Western Cape's murder rate increased by 27.5% in quarter 4 of 2023/24 and by 21.2% in quarter 1 of 2024/25.”
Between April and June this year, 79 people were murdered. The rate had gone up by 64.6%, meaning 31 more people were killed than in the same period in 2023.
Local community police forum secretary Dumisani Qwebe said: “Extortion is one of the main reasons we had the escalation in murders. We have also found out that the victims and perpetrators were known to each other."
SAPS is appealing to anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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