5 shot dead in Willowvale informal settlement attack in South Africa

Five men aged between 17 and 22 were shot dead and a sixth man seriously injured in a targeted shooting at an informal settlement in Willowvale on Tuesday evening, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The incident occurred at approximately 21:50 on 6 October 2026. Police responded to a report of gunfire and found four deceased male victims inside a two-room flat, each with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. A fifth male victim, found in another room with gunshot wounds to the chest and right leg, was taken by private vehicle to a nearby medical facility, where he was declared dead on arrival. A sixth man, aged 30, was transported by ambulance to hospital for treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that three unknown suspects kicked open the door of the dwelling, opened fire on the occupants, and fled the scene. Officers recovered numerous spent cartridges and projectiles from a 9mm pistol at the scene. The motive remains unknown, and cases of five counts of murder and one of attempted murder are under investigation.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata visited the crime scene on the morning of 7 October and was scheduled to chair an activation planning meeting aimed at securing the swift arrest of the suspects. The scene was processed by the Provincial Local Criminal Record Centre Task Team, with the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation Unit also attending.

SAPS strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased while wishing the injured victim a speedy recovery. Anyone with information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact Willowvale SAPS, the investigating team, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit details confidentially via the MySAPS App.