A 17-year-old boy was tragically gunned down in broad daylight while walking with his grandmother to a local clinic in Gugulethu, Western Cape, on the morning of Wednesday, 6 August 2025.
According to community members, the teen had only recently been discharged from hospital after surviving a brutal mass shooting less than a month earlier. That previous attack, which took place on 16 July in Moletsane Crescent, New Crossroads, claimed the lives of three men and left two others injured — including the young victim. He had sustained serious gunshot wounds and spent several days in hospital recovering.
On the day of the latest incident, the teenager was reportedly on his way to KTC Day Hospital for a follow-up medical appointment. A resident, speaking to the SunTeam on condition of anonymity, described the moment as deeply distressing.
“He was seriously injured in last month’s shooting and had just been discharged. His grandmother was taking him for a check-up when the gunmen attacked. We are devastated. It was so sudden — we just heard gunshots,” the resident said.
The community member added that the attack appeared to have been a targeted ambush. “It seems they knew where he would be and waited for him. To make it worse, it happened right in front of his gogo. She must be traumatised.”
Police have confirmed the killing and launched a murder investigation. Gugulethu police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, stated:
“Gugulethu police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Wednesday morning, 6 August 2025, in NY78, where a 17-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded. According to reports, the victim was on his way to hospital with his grandmother when he was shot by an unknown suspect. He was transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was declared dead. The suspect or suspects fled the scene. No arrests have been made.”
Law enforcement has urged members of the public to assist in tracking down those responsible. Tips and information can be shared anonymously via the CrimeStop line on 08600 10111.
The shocking nature of the incident has left the Gugulethu community reeling. Many residents are questioning the increasing levels of gun violence and the apparent targeting of young people in the area. Some have called for greater police visibility and community safety initiatives to curb the wave of shootings.
For the victim’s family, the grief is overwhelming. The grandmother, who had been with him during both the first shooting and the fatal attack, is believed to be receiving emotional support from relatives and community members.
As investigations continue, residents remain on edge, fearing further violence. The boy’s killing adds to the growing list of unresolved gun-related murders in Cape Town’s townships, where gang-related disputes and targeted attacks often claim the lives of young men.
Police have reiterated their appeal for witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the suspects’ whereabouts to come forward, stressing that community cooperation is essential in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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