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
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.
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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.
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.
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.”
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.
Cape Flats learner stabs 3 fellow pupils, South Africans shaken
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after three learners were stabbed at a high school in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town on 10 September 2025.
SAPS told Briefly News that the police responded to a stabbing incident at the school where three learners were attacked. An argument ensued between the three victims and the suspect. The argument turned violent when the suspect allegedly stabbed the victims with a screwdriver. The suspect was not arrested, and the victims were rushed to the nearest hospital, where they were treated.
Source: Briefly News
