Bonteheuwel baby killed in suspected gang shooting

A three-month-old baby boy has died after being shot during a suspected gang-related attack in Bonteheuwel.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said two unidentified gunmen entered a home in Yellowwood Street in Bonteheuwel at 7.45am and opened fire in the direction of a woman holding the child. The baby was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and later died.

The suspects fled and remain at large. Police confirmed the motive is suspected to be gang-related. Bishop Lavis police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.

Ward 50 councillor Angus McKenzie said the killing highlighted how gang violence has become normalized in Cape Flats communities.

“The tragic murder of a three-month-old baby is deeply shocking. Gangsterism must not be tolerated, and we cannot allow this kind of violence to be accepted as the norm,” he said.

He urged communities to unite against gangsterism.

“People must work closely with safety structures to put an end to this. We cannot keep losing lives while suspects with repeated drug-related arrests are allowed back onto our streets,” he said.

Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies chairperson Soraya Salie said: “I’m so sick and tired of the system failing us. No matter how much we march or complain, nothing changes. Politicians use these tragedies as opportunities, while broken mothers are left behind.”

Detectives are pursuing leads and have appealed to the public for information. Anyone with knowledge of the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.