Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa — Authorities have confirmed that a devastating shooting in the Athlone area of Cape Town has resulted in the deaths of three people, including a nine-month-old baby, while two additional victims were wounded. The incident, which occurred in the Western Cape Province, has prompted a full homicide investigation by the South African Police Service and renewed public concern over ongoing gun violence in the region.
Incident details
Police responded late on the night of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after emergency calls reported multiple gunshots in the Sunbird Court area of Bridgetown, within the Athlone district. When officers and medical personnel arrived, they discovered three victims who had sustained fatal gunshot injuries.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased include two adult women, aged 25 and 36, and a nine-month-old infant, who was critically wounded and pronounced dead at the scene. In addition to the fatalities, two adult men were struck by gunfire and were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Police later indicated that the injured men were in stable condition.
The location was immediately secured, and a detailed forensic examination of the scene was conducted as part of an expanding homicide inquiry.
Police response and public appeal
The investigation is being led by the SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, which described the attack as a brutal and senseless act of violence. Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile publicly condemned the killings and expressed particular outrage at the death of the infant.
Police officials stated that preliminary findings suggest more than one suspect was involved in the shooting. The perpetrators reportedly fled immediately after the gunfire and remain at large. Detectives are continuing to trace movements in and out of the area and are reviewing any available surveillance footage.
Members of the public who may have witnessed the shooting, captured video or photographs, or possess any information relevant to the case have been urged to come forward. Tips can be submitted through the national Crime Stop hotline or via the official MySAPS mobile application.
Community impact in Athlone
The shooting has left residents of Bridgetown and the wider Athlone community deeply shaken. Local community members and leaders expressed sorrow and disbelief, particularly over the loss of such a young child. Many residents say the tragedy highlights the persistent problem of gun violence affecting parts of Cape Town.
Athlone forms part of the Cape Flats, a region that has long struggled with elevated levels of violent crime. Over the years, the area has recorded repeated incidents of shootings and gang-related violence, including attacks near residential zones and public institutions.
Wider violence trends in Cape Town
The Athlone tragedy has taken place against a broader backdrop of violent crime across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Previous fatal shootings have occurred in public areas, including locations close to the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, reinforcing concerns about public safety and illegal firearms.
Law enforcement agencies and political leaders have repeatedly warned that the widespread circulation of unlicensed guns and the influence of organised criminal groups continue to drive deadly violence in several communities.
Despite ongoing police deployments, specialised anti-gang operations and inter-agency strategies, officials acknowledge that violent crime remains a major challenge in Athlone and neighbouring suburbs.
Investigation continues
The Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is still reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the shooting. Authorities have confirmed that no motive has yet been established, and no arrests have been announced.
Investigators believe community cooperation will be critical in identifying those responsible and ensuring accountability. Further updates are expected to be released through official police communication channels as the inquiry progresses.
For now, residents are being encouraged to remain vigilant, avoid circulating unverified information, and rely on confirmed updates issued by police and reputable media outlets such as Smile 90.4FM.
The Athlone shooting stands as another painful reminder of the human cost of gun violence in Cape Town and the urgent need for sustained crime-prevention efforts across the Western Cape.
