Residents of Atlantis are struggling to come to terms with the shocking events of a recent Sunday morning, when a brutal double murder unfolded in broad daylight. The incident has once again brought the issue of gang violence to the forefront, as shootings in the area have been on the rise. This latest tragedy resulted in the death of a pensioner, who was tragically struck in the head by a stray bullet in Grosvenor Street, Saxon Sea.
The attack occurred at 9:25 a.m., with the victims—aged 62 and 22—caught in the crossfire of a violent gang dispute. According to Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk, the shooting unfolded rapidly. Several gunshots rang out on the streets, and one of the victims, a 62-year-old man, was seen running in the road before he collapsed, fatally wounded by a shot to his upper body. He was declared dead at the scene.
Adding to the tragedy, a second innocent bystander, a woman who was simply standing at her gate in her garden, was fatally struck in the head by a stray bullet. Emergency medical services arrived shortly after the incident, but both victims were pronounced dead on site.
The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but no arrests have been made. The suspects are still at large, and it is believed that the motive behind the killings may be gang-related. Authorities have appealed for anyone with information to come forward, urging the public to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Ward Councillor Allister Lightburn expressed his devastation over the recurring violence in the area, calling it an escalation of the gang-related issues that have plagued Atlantis for some time. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. It’s utterly shocking, and I am disgusted because it seems as if the scourge of gang violence in Atlantis is not stopping at all,” Lightburn told IOL.
He went on to condemn the senseless shooting of an innocent pensioner, calling it an act of cowardice. “We are in a society where it looks like our people are trigger-happy, and it’s uncalled for. I hope the perpetrators are brought to book,” he said, voicing his frustration with the relentless violence.
In response to the increasing violence, Lightburn has escalated the issue to the attention of MEC Anroux Marais, the MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety. He also reached out to the constituency member of Parliament, urging them to advocate for stronger action against gang activity, including bolstering the police’s Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) presence in the area. Lightburn is determined to push for more substantial measures to address the ongoing safety concerns that have left residents living in constant fear.
As the investigation continues, the community waits for answers, hoping for justice for the victims and an end to the cycle of violence that has gripped Atlantis.
