Police in the Western Cape are investigating two separate murder cases after a man was shot dead in a Belhar park and another was found fatally stabbed in Lotus River over the weekend.
Both incidents, which occurred less than 48 hours apart, have left communities shaken and prompted renewed appeals from SAPS for witnesses to come forward.
Man Gunned Down in Belhar Park
In the first incident, Belhar police are probing what has been described as a brazen shooting that claimed the life of a 36-year-old man.
The victim was shot in a park situated between Flute Street and Chopin Way in Extension 7. Residents living near the park reported being startled by gunfire early on Sunday morning.
Officers were called to the scene shortly thereafter, where they discovered the victim lying with multiple gunshot wounds.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a murder docket had been opened.
“Belhar police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Sunday morning, 28 June 2026, at about 8.20pm, in Flute Street, Belhar, which claimed the life of a 36-year-old male.
“Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with gunshot wounds to his body.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet.”
The apparent discrepancy between residents’ reports of early-morning gunfire and the police statement reflecting a time of 8.20pm is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
For residents in the quiet suburban pocket of Extension 7, the killing has stirred concern about safety in public spaces. The park, typically used by families and children during daylight hours, was cordoned off as forensic teams processed the scene.
Investigators have not yet disclosed whether the victim was known to the suspect or whether the shooting may have been gang-related. Authorities have also not confirmed whether any suspects have been identified.
Body Found With Stab Wound in Lotus River
In a separate case, Grassy Park police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man was discovered in Lotus River on Saturday morning.
The deceased was found at the corner of 5th Avenue and Strandfontein Road, a busy intersection that connects several residential areas.
Confirming the incident, Grassy Park police station commander Colonel Andre van Wyk said a murder case had been opened.
“I can confirm that a murder case has been registered following an incident that occurred during the morning of June 27 at the corner of 5th Avenue and Strandfontein Road, Lotus River.
“According to the preliminary investigation, police responded to a complaint and found the body of an adult male with an apparent stab wound. The victim was declared deceased at the scene.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage, and the motive forms part of the ongoing investigation."
Police have not released the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin.
The discovery of the body at a prominent corner in Lotus River has unsettled residents in the area, many of whom rely on the route for daily commuting. Investigators spent several hours combing the scene for evidence as traffic was redirected.
No Arrests Yet
At this stage, no arrests have been made in either case.
Both investigations remain in their early stages, with detectives working to establish the sequence of events leading to the two deaths. In the Belhar case, ballistic evidence and witness statements are likely to be key in tracing the perpetrators. In Lotus River, forensic analysis and post-mortem findings are expected to assist in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
Police have not indicated whether there is any link between the two incidents.
Appeal for Public Assistance
SAPS has urged members of the public who may have witnessed either incident or who may have information that could assist investigators to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously through the MySAPS App.
Authorities have reiterated that all information received will be treated confidentially.
As detectives continue their work, residents in both Belhar and Lotus River are hoping for swift arrests that will bring clarity — and a measure of reassurance — to communities rattled by two violent deaths in a single weekend.
