“You’d swear everyone owns a gun” says Khayelitsha police forum member
About 100 people marched against an increase in gun violence and shootings in Makhaza
Residents of Khayelitsha, in Cape Town, marched under a "Silencing the Gun Walk" banner to demand urgent action from the police to address the rampant gun violence in their community. The march, attended by about 100 people including members of community policing forums and neighbourhood watches, was held in Makhaza and concluded at the Khayelitsha police station.
Vuyo Khonkwane, a member of the Makhaza CPF, stated that the frequent shootings gave the impression that "everyone owns a gun". Funeka Soldaat, another activist and CPF member, emphasized that the march aimed to unite residents, government departments, law enforcement agencies, and the broader safety cluster to combat gun violence. She highlighted that Khayelitsha continues to suffer the devastating consequences of gun violence, with shootings causing lives to be lost and families to be left in mourning.
According to Khayelitsha Police Station crime statistics, the precinct is among the highest national brackets for violent incidents. Between April and June 2026, 1,547 crimes were recorded, an increase from 1,522 crimes during the same period in 2025. Two recent gun-related incidents occurred in Town Two in Makhaza and Site C on September 16 and 26. In both incidents, the motive was unknown, and no arrests had been made.
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