Detectives attached to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit are investigating four counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder following a mass shooting in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, on Sunday evening, 26 July 2026.
Police response and shootout
At approximately 17:35, members of Stellenbosch SAPS responded to reports of a shooting in 7th Avenue, Kayamandi, where they found an unidentified man who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. While attending to the crime scene, the members heard further gunfire in the vicinity and immediately responded. As they approached the area, they encountered armed suspects who opened fire on them. The members returned fire, forcing the suspects to flee the scene.
During the incident, two SAPS members and two members of the public, a man and a woman, sustained gunshot injuries and were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Evidence and investigation
Four unidentified men were found with fatal gunshot wounds. A 9mm firearm was recovered at one of the crime scenes and has been seized for forensic analysis. Crime scene experts worked through the night processing the scenes and collecting evidence to assist the investigation.
Official condemnation
Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Luyanda Damoyi, strongly condemned the brazen attack, describing the violence as unacceptable.
“This senseless violence has claimed several lives and left police officials and innocent members of the community injured. We will utilise every available resource to identify and apprehend those responsible. Those who attack police officers and terrorise our communities will face the full might of the law,” said Major General Damoyi.
The motive for the shootings forms part of the ongoing investigation, and no arrests have been made.