Key Points
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Cape Town gun violence surges with over 350 shootings in 28 days.
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ShotSpotter system enables real-time responses to gunfire.
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SAPS and community groups call for urgent reinforcements.
Gun violence in Cape Town has reached alarming levels, with more than 350 shootings reported across several neighborhoods in just 28 days.
The City of Cape Town’s gunshot detection system, ShotSpotter, recorded these incidents primarily in Nyanga, Hanover Park, Manenberg and Lavender Hill.
This high-tech system identifies the exact location of gunfire in real-time, allowing law enforcement to respond swiftly.
However, despite this advancement, the violence continues unabated. JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, says the system is vital because many shootings go unreported.
“Unless someone dies or reports the incident, there’s no case, no action,” he said.
The ShotSpotter detected shots fired just after 5 a.m. in Hanover Park recently. No emergency calls were made, but the technology ensured officers arrived on the scene within minutes, highlighting its importance in a city battling a deadly crime wave.
ShotSpotter offers proof, but communities still need SAPS help
According to Smith, ShotSpotter is doing more than just detecting gunfire—it’s changing how the city understands and responds to Cape Town gun violence.
The system has enabled hundreds of firearm recoveries and led to multiple arrests.
However, Smith warned that technology alone is not enough. He stressed the urgent need for additional SAPS officers and detectives to investigate and prosecute crimes effectively.
“We finally have data, but we need more support from national government,” he added.
This week, police arrested a 26-year-old alleged gang member in Rocklands. Officers recovered a pistol and ammunition at the suspect’s property. He is now in custody for possession of a prohibited firearm.
Meanwhile, advocacy group Fight Against Crime SA (FACSA) reported 79 shooting incidents between May 5 and 11, with at least 12 confirmed fatalities.
These community-reported numbers likely underrepresent the real scope of violence in under-policed neighborhoods.
SAPS investigates series of deadly shootings in Cape Town
Despite increased patrols, Cape Town’s bloodshed continues. In one recent case, police confirmed a fatal shooting in Hanover Park on May 2.
A 33-year-old man was shot in the chest and later died at a hospital. An eight-year-old girl and another man were also wounded during the same incident. No arrests have been made.
Just a day earlier, three men were killed in Clarke Estate, Elsies River. A fourth man was injured, and SAPS opened three murder cases and one attempted murder docket. The Anti-Gang Unit is currently investigating.
Another deadly shooting in Lentegeur saw a 42-year-old man gunned down while driving. A woman in the vehicle suffered a leg wound and was hospitalised.
These cases underline the urgent need for reinforced policing in affected areas. Cape Town gun violence continues to traumatise communities, and although technology helps, more decisive action is required to restore safety and justice.
