Steenberg & Seawinds residents living in fear as gang violence escalates
Seven people were killed in multiple mass shootings in the Overcome Heights and Xakabantu informal settlements last week.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, on 20 August 2025 conducted a walkabout in the Steenberg and Muizenberg policing precincts following a series of shooting incidents over the weekend which claimed the lives of several people. Picture: @SAPoliceService/X
CAPE TOWN - Residents of Steenberg and Seawinds in Lavender Hill say they live in fear as gang fights escalate in their neighbourhood and surroundings.
Seven people were killed in multiple mass shootings in the Overcome Heights and Xakabantu informal settlements last week.
Police said that the attackers were still at large.
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Several areas in the city's southern suburbs are under police lockdown from Wednesday, with roadblocks and search operations being carried out.
A young man from Steenberg said that police resources should be bolstered permanently.
"I suggest there must be a small police station here or something just for us to be safe because we are scared to walk to the shop and the shop is just opposite the road. This is the border. This is Funky territory and that is Mongrel territory. They shoot on each other."
A mother from Seawinds said that she was concerned for her children's safety.
"The crime is very bad and we as the community are very scared because our kids have to go to school, have to come from school, and for me as a parent, it's very sad because I am constantly anxious."