Cape Flats Gripped by Gang Violence: 13-Year-Old Boy Among 16 Murdered in Bloody Weekend
Cape Town – The Cape Flats has once again been marred by a weekend of relentless bloodshed, with gang violence claiming the lives of 16 people, including a 13-year-old boy. Ashtin Brooks, a young soccer enthusiast, was tragically gunned down while playing with friends, becoming the latest victim in the ongoing gang warfare.
Ashtin, who dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, was enjoying a game in St Peter’s Street, Seawinds, on Friday when the gunfire erupted, cutting his life short.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, officers arrived at the scene shortly after 17:00, where they found Ashtin’s body lying in the road. “The deceased sustained a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” Van Wyk said, adding that "the motive is believed to be gang-related.”
His grandmother, community leader Ayesha Davids, recounted the horrific scene, saying Ashtin died before he could be taken to hospital. "It was terrible to see him lying lifeless in the road," Davids said, struggling to contain her grief. "He didn’t have to die like that and at such a young age. This violence in the area is so draining."
Davids said she received messages from community members informing her Ashtin had been shot. "A life ripped away from us way too soon. He was such a ball of fun and had a bright future ahead of him. I still cannot believe he’s gone from this world," she lamented.
Ashtin, who lived in Hillview with his mother, often spent weekends with his grandmother, assisting her with her community work. On the day of his death, he had gone for a haircut in preparation for a soccer tournament scheduled for the following day. Before heading home, he joined his friends for a quick game, a decision that tragically cost him his life.
"He was my right hand, the kind of child any grandmother would be proud to have. And now he’s just gone," Davids sobbed, recalling Ashtin's unwavering support and dedication to her community activism. She recounted how he was always by her side, helping to feed those in need.
On Monday morning, Davids faced the heart-wrenching task of identifying Ashtin's body at the Observatory mortuary. "It was difficult to see him like that. I’m still trying to absorb all this because it feels so unreal. No one prepares you to lose a child so young. My grandson was such a pillar of strength who brought smiles and laughter wherever he went," she said.
Ward councillor Mandy Marr, who was present at the scene, said she could not hold back her tears as paramedics and forensic teams worked around Ashtin’s body. "This was such a lovely young child. I know him personally through Ayesha’s work in the community. He was as helpful as his gran, and it pains me that he died in such an incident," Marr said.
Marr explained that the area has been plagued by an ongoing gang war between the Junky Funky Kids (JFK) and the Flakka gang. "There seems to have been changes internally within the JFKs as some of their members have joined the Flakka. Territory and leadership are the main reasons why these gangs are constantly at war with one another," she said, adding that 300 gunshots were reported in parts of the area over the past two weeks, including Overcome Heights and Lavender Hill.
Ashtin's death adds to the growing list of young lives lost to gang violence on the Cape Flats, children caught in the crossfire of a war they did not choose.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the deadly weekend. Among the violent incidents was a mass murder where eight people were shot inside a tavern in Philippi East on Saturday.
In a statement on Monday, Ramaphosa said 26 people died between Friday and Sunday. However, Western Cape police counted 16 murders. The remaining cases were confirmed as attempted murder incidents.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said communities “could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility” to stabilise affected areas and reduce the risk of further violence.
The president said he recognises the fear criminals inflict on residents and called on communities to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement through community policing forums.
He also urged residents to provide information – even about neighbours and family members – to police. “With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months,” said Ramaphosa.
He assured residents that the government is balancing “short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence” with long-term socio-economic interventions aimed at improving living conditions – a promise echoed once more as another child is murdered.
Ashtin will be buried this weekend.
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