Christmas Day festivities in Nyanga, Cape Town, were shattered by a horrific act of violence after a mass shooting claimed the lives of three people and left a fourth victim fighting for survival. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a murder investigation into the incident, which authorities believe may be linked to revenge or an attempt to silence a witness.
The deadly attack took place at approximately 10pm on Wednesday, 25 December 2025, at a residence in Mplangeni Street within the Ofcon Hostel area. According to police reports, two unidentified suspects entered a single-room structure where several people were inside and opened fire without warning. The brutal assault sent shockwaves through the community, turning what should have been a day of joy into one of mourning.
In a statement, SAPS in the Western Cape strongly condemned the violent act, describing it as a senseless attack that robbed three individuals of their lives. The victims, believed to be between the ages of 25 and 40, died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. A fourth person was seriously injured and rushed to hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut confirmed that the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation. He said preliminary findings suggest the shooting may have been motivated by revenge or linked to an attempt to eliminate a witness, although investigations are still ongoing. At this stage, no arrests have been made, but detectives are following up on all available leads to track down the suspects.
The tragedy once again highlights the severe crime challenges facing Nyanga, an area that has repeatedly been identified as one of South Africa’s most violent precincts. Recent crime statistics paint a grim picture. Between April and June this year, Nyanga Police Station recorded 79 murder cases, a significant increase from 48 cases during the same period last year. This represents a sharp rise of 31 murders, or 64.6%.
Nyanga also continues to lead in carjacking cases both provincially and nationally. A total of 98 hijackings were reported, up from 81 the previous year, marking a 21% increase. Community Police Forum (CPF) secretary Dumisani Qwebe said the statistics reflect the harsh reality faced by residents daily. He noted that the station serves several high-density and informal areas, including Crossroads, Brown’s Farm, parts of Philippi East, and Nyanga itself.
Other police stations in the Western Cape are also experiencing rising murder rates. Khayelitsha Police Station recorded 68 murder cases, up from 47 last year, while Harare Police Station reported 65 cases, an increase of seven. Despite these figures, Nyanga remains at the centre of concern.
Crime fighters and community leaders believe extortion, taxi-related violence, and disputes among people known to each other are major contributors to the escalating murder rate. Last week, Nyanga was officially labelled the country’s “murder capital” during the release of quarterly crime statistics by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
SAPS has urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation into the Christmas Day shooting to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips via the MySAPS mobile application. Police have assured the public that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality as efforts continue to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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