A community leader and member of the Makhaza Neighbourhood Watch was tragically shot and killed during a patrol in Nkanini, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on the night of Friday, 17 January 2025.
Residents reported hearing gunshots at around 11 p.m. “After the shooting, there was some commotion, with people screaming and running away. We didn’t go outside because it was late and dangerous,” one resident told *Ezitshisayo*. It was only the following morning that they learned a community leader had been killed.
The incident has left the community shaken and heartbroken.
Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, expressed shock at the murder. “I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our slain Neighbourhood Watch member. This is a tragedy. He was trying to make Makhaza a safer place when he was killed. I urge any members of the public who may be able to assist the South African Police Service in the investigation into this attack.”
Ward 95 councillor Ayanda Tetani, who was in Cape Town at the time, said community leaders informed him of the tragedy. While acknowledging the high crime rate in Nkanini, Tetani expressed disbelief that a patroller had been killed. Tetani said the area which the incident is one of those “quiet” areas in this kasi.
“I’m deeply saddened and shocked. The deceased was a dedicated community leader and patroller, always active in supporting the area. This is a significant loss for our community,” Tetani said.
The councillor also highlighted that the community was still recovering from the recent robbery of Eskom employees in the area just two weeks ago. In that incident, Eskom workers were robbed in two separate locations within 20 minutes.
The story will be updated as soon we recieve police comment.