3 Men Killed and Set Alight in Kraaifontein Vigilante Attack, SA Blames Police for Community Anger

3 Men Killed and Set Alight in Kraaifontein Vigilante Attack, SA Blames Police for Community Anger

  • Police in Kraaifontein are searching for the suspects responsible for three murders on 10 September 2025
  • Three men, accused of being involved in criminal activities, were killed and set alight in Wallacedene
  • South Africans commented on the murders, blaming police for not doing more to combat crime in the area

Don't miss out! Join Briefly News Sports channel on WhatsApp now!

Police responded to a scene where three men were killed in Kraaifontein
Three men were killed and set alight in Kraaifontein, less than 24 hours after four women were murdered. Image: Fani Mahuntsi
Source: Getty Images

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE - The violence in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, shows no signs of slowing down.

Not long after three separate double murders rocked the area, police confirmed that three men were killed. The men were killed and their bodies set alight in what police have described as an act of vigilantism.

The murders took place on Wednesday night, 10 September 2025, the same day police made an arrest in connection with one of the double murders in the area.

Read also

Western Cape SAPS made breakthroughs in 2 cases, effect arrests for Kraaifontein and Athlone murders

Murdered men accused of being involved in criminal activities

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that the men’s bodies were found around 10 pm in La Boheme Street, Wallacedene.

“Preliminary information suggests that the victims were accused by community members of criminal activity. Instead of allowing the law to take its course, they were violently attacked," Traut said.

He confirmed that detectives were pursuing every possible lead to trace and apprehend those responsible for the murders. He added that the South African Police Service condemned the vigilantism, warning that anyone taking the law into one’s own hands was a criminal offence.

Wallacedene area experiences 7 murders in 24 hours

The latest murders come less than 24 hours after four women were shot dead in Wallacedene.

At approximately 11:30 pm in Molefe Street, two women were shot dead, and another person was wounded. 10 minutes later, two women were found dead in a bedroom in Taleman Street. They were shot in the head.

Read also

Chinese nationals sentenced for human trafficking as daughter claims kingpin is free during outburst

Major General Fannie Masemola, who visited the Kraaifontein area following the three double murders, confirmed that a 49-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with one of the murders.

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed that one man was arrested. Image: Brenton Geach
Source: Getty Images

South Africans blame poor policing

Social media users shared their thoughts on the murders, with many agreeing that, as a result of poor policing, community members were now taking matters into their own hands.

Ian Grove said:

“I don’t condone any form of violence, but this speaks to the poor policing and justice system, and therefore frustration in communities, who then decide to take matters into their own hands.”

Chellie De Jager stated:

“As the police are part of the criminal syndicates, I am surprised this doesn't happen more.”

Valene Harris agreed:

“This happens when the police don't do their work. The justice system is broken, and people can pay to be released. The community clearly had had enough.”

Read also

Kraaifontein: SAPS investigating 3 double murders as South Africa weighs in on growing crisis

Melanie Adams added:

“This is what the useless government and powers that be asked for. Yes, take back your communities.”

Gavin Riddles said:

“Community members are fed up with the killings and violence in Kraaifontein.”

Youngster killed in Kraaifontein crossfire

Briefly News reported that an 11-year-old was the victim of a shootout between two rival gangs on 19 August 2025.

The youngster was killed in the crossfire of the shooting, which also left other community members injured.

South Africans condemned the gun and gang violence in the Cape Flats as the crisis appeared to be escalating.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Byron Pillay avatar

Byron Pillay (Current Affairs Editor) Byron Pillay is a Current Affairs Editor at Briefly News. He received a Diploma in Journalism from the Caxton Cadet School. He spent 15 years covering politics, crime and current affairs. He was also the Head of Department for Sports Brief, where he covered both local and international sporting news. Email: byron.pillay@briefly.co.za