THERE were a number of violent and chaotic scenes across Cape Town on Thursday, 5 November 2026, allegedly perpetrated in the name of Guy Fawkes by mostly children and young adults.

Reports and videos of ugly scenes of stone throwing, burning tyres and people being attacked with paint came from areas all over Cape Town were shared on Facebook and chat groups.. These include Lavender Hill, Cafda Village, Parkwood, Hanover Park, Mitchells Plain and Elsies River. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested three men, aged between 19 and 21-years, for public violence in Lavender Hill, while seven under aged boys from the same area, aged 13 to 17 years, had to give an account of their actions.

Reader comments were overwhelmingly angry and people said parents should be held responsible for the children’s behaviour.

The Commander of the Western Cape police media centre, Lieutenant Colonel FC Van Wyk, said Steenberg police received complaints of public violence on Thursday morning, 5 November 2026 in Lavender Hill. 

“The Station Commander and police members attended to the matter at the corner of St Christopher and Military Road, Steenberg. Upon their arrival they found young boys who were throwing stones at each other, affecting road users and causing damage to property. 

“Immediately crime operations in the Steenberg area were heightened with high density policing by local police, the Anti-Gang Unit, Public Order Police, Metro police and law enforcement officers. 

“Three males aged between 19 and 21-years were arrested for public violence. They are due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates court soon,” said Van Wyk.

The motive for these stone throwing is under investigation. Western Cape SAPS will not be turning a blind eye to lawlessness, and offenders can expect an unpleasant encounter with the law, he added.

“Currently  the Steenberg Station Commander is waiting for seven under aged boys, ages 13-17-years, who were found inciting and being part of this public violence to come to account. “These boys are not under arrest.

“This deployment will remain on the ground to bring an end to any acts of violence that may threaten the safety of the public. Police will not tolerate any acts of criminality and our members will not hesitate to take decisive action.”