The aim of this website and our social media channels is to track and trace gun violence in the Western Cape, publicize it through responsible journalism and help to make our communities safe again.

The non-profit organisation, Gun Free South Africa, states 33 people are shot dead every day in South Africa. This is alarming and surely it’s 33 too many.

According to a report by the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) factors such as insufficient controls, enables the proliferation, availability and diversion of illegal firearms. Crime statistics highlights how violence continues to pose significant threats to our lives and livelihoods. From 2016 to 2021, there was a 54.8% increase in the number of people killed or who suffered gun-related injuries. In 2023/24, firearms accounted for 51.6% of murders in the Western Cape and 68% of attempted murders.

Gang violence is one of the most prevalent causes of murder in the Western Cape, particularly on the Cape Flats. Over the course of five years, gang-related murders contributed between 19% and 23% of the total murders in the province, accounting for 18.79% (854 counts) in 2023/24.

According to the South African Parliamentary Research Unit’s Fact Sheet on Gun Violence on the Cape Flats (19 September 2025) it is widely believed that the proliferation of legal and illegal guns is fuelling the ongoing violence in the Western Cape. Despite reports of successful confiscation of firearms and ammunition by the authorities, the shootings seem to continue unabated, as resourcing and other policing challenges persist.

The saddest part is the many innocent adults and children who die as a result of gunshot wounds. And how young children are increasingly being recruited into gangs and armed with firearms.

We acknowledge the many public forums and media outlets who report crime on a daily basis, but we feel it is important that we add our voice to the cause. If we want safer communities we all need to stand and fight together, our communities are on the frontline of a war. Let’s work together to stop it.