Heideveld woman murdered in drive-by shooting on Women’s Day

A case of murder has been opened after a 40-year-old woman was gunned down in broad daylight while walking home in Heideveld on Women's Day.

The incident happened on Saturday, August 9 at about 10:50am in 5th Street. According to Manenberg police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett, the woman had been walking from a butcher shop when the occupants of a white motor vehicle opened fire on her. She sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head and died at the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed the woman was a witness in a criminal case currently before the Wynberg Regional Court.

“This brutal, deadly, and vicious attack was to silence her,” said Captain Bennett.

He confirmed the woman did not want to enter the witness protection programme when offered.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the suspects remain at large.

Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, station commander at Manenberg police, condemned the killing.

“These actions are those of blatant cowards who, with a vicious and calculated act, killed a 40-year-old woman in broad daylight,” he said.

“Let it be known that Manenberg SAPS will not be deterred in our fight against criminal acts, especially those committed against the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Brigadier Naidoo vowed to prevent the precinct from descending into a state of fear and lawlessness.

“Manenberg SAPS will not allow the precinct to become like the violent Colombian or Mexican state-run cartels, instilling fear within our community,” he said.

The station also issued a call to action to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Justice, urging them to strengthen measures to protect witnesses in gang and organised crime cases.

Brigadier Naidoo said detectives have raised concerns over a “worrying trend” of witnesses being eliminated before cross-examination, often after court cases are postponed.

“This creates an opportunity for witnesses to be killed before their evidence is concluded, leading to cases being withdrawn and the community accusing SAPS of corruption,” he said.

Caroline Peters, founder and executive director of the Callas Foundation, said the murder of a woman in Heideveld on Women’s Day, allegedly because she was a witness in a gang case, is devastating.

“It’s not only an attack on her life, but on justice itself. Silencing women who come forward sends a chilling message that their lives are disposable. Women’s Day, born out of resistance in 1956, should be a time to recommit to ending gender-based violence and protecting witnesses. Violence during Women’s Month has not decreased - this year feels more brazen. Until gender-based violence is treated as a national crisis, justice will remain out of reach.”

The Callas Foundation supports survivors of gender-based violence through advocacy, counselling, and community empowerment.

Police have appealed to the public to call  Manenberg police on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 if they have any information..