3-Month-Old Cape Town Toddler Shot and Killed in Horrific Incident, SA Broken

• The South African Police Service is investigating a horrific shooting in the Cape Flats in which a child was killed
• An armed man entered the flat of a woman and opened fire at her and her three-month-old child, killing the infant
• South Africans bemoaned the violence in the Cape Flats and called for the government to do something to curb the influence of gang violence

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered a range of criminal activities, including cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, taxi violence, police investigations, police shootouts, and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE —A toddler was shot and killed in a horrific shooting incident in the Cape Flats on 22 August 2025. South Africans called for action to be taken against the gang violence in the area.

According to eNCA, the incident happened in Bontheuwel. Two gunmen entered the premises and shot the woman and her child. The child, who was allegedly used as a shield, was then rushed to the hospital and was resuscitated. However, the little infant crashed, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

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The mother and the gunmen are believed to be members of rival gangs that have been warring in the same section for years. The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Children shot and killed in the Cape Flats

A Kraaifontein, Cape Town child was shot and killed during a shooting on 19 August 2025. The 11-year-old and other children were playing outside in the evening when an unknown suspect started shooting in the street. The child was certified dead on the scene.

A 12-year-old was shot and killed during a shootout between the Nice Time Kids and the 28s gang on 30 January 2024. The victim was standing outside of her classroom when a stray bullet hit her in the head, killing her instantly.

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook slammed the shooting. Some were concerned the shooters would get bail if arrested.

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Mike Vermeer said:

"If caught, he will get R500 bail."

Vivienne Fisher said:

"The guns that police confiscated must not return to the communities."

Verojska Vilander asked:

"How do you use your child as a shield?"

Shameelah Jahed said:

"The citizens of this country, especially the Cape Flats, need to raise their voices in their masses and in unity and put pressure on the government and justice system."

Tracey-Lee Rhoode said:

"Baby was used as a shield? What?"

Vanessa Joseph asked:

"Which sick person does stuff like this?"

79 Children killed in Cape Flats between September and November 2024

In a related article, Briefly News reported that 79 children were killed in the Cape Flats from 1 September to 20 November 2024. A 14-year-old child, Jahmiel Van Reenen, was one of the victims of a shooting in the area.

The Western Cape Provincial Government said that the children were either shot and killed or stabbed. Nine children were shot dead in Elsies River during that period.

Source: Briefly News