The community of Atlantis is in mourning after a 15-year-old girl was killed after being caught in a gang crossfire in Sherwood Park on Saturday, June 6, amid a sharp escalation of gang violence and shooting incidents in the area.
According to reports, the teenager, who celebrated her 15th birthday on Friday, June 5, was heading home from a youth event when she lost her life. On Sunday, angry residents marched through the streets, stating they had had enough of the violence and calling for the alleged gang boss to hand himself over to the police.
Speaking to IOL, local Ward Councillor Allister Lightburn said the community was still reeling in shock after losing a 14-year-old girl a few months ago. The girl was shot after a stray bullet struck her while she was on school grounds.
This fatal shooting marks the second teenager killed by stray bullets in recent months.
The tragedy reflects a broader surge in volatile turf wars that have prompted calls for increased deployment from the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and community-led Western Cape safety initiatives.
“About three months ago, we lost a beautiful 14-year-old girl in a senseless shooting at a school, and on Saturday night, we lost a beautiful 15-year-old girl during rival gang shootings. This must be condemned in the strongest terms, and the perpetrators should be brought to book,” Lightburn said.
He called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in apprehending those responsible for the senseless killing.
“A family has been robbed of a daughter who came from a church youth event. My plea is to our community to really unite and say enough is enough. We cannot allow criminals to rule over us and our children,” Lightburn added.
The provincial police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, confirmed the incident and said another person was also injured during the shooting.
“Atlantis detectives are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident at Alleghany Lane in Sherwood Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026. According to reports, two victims, aged 15 and 48, were caught in the crossfire. The 15-year-old female succumbed to her injuries. No arrests have been made at this stage,” Gwala said.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting incident to contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Gavin Liedeman, at 082 302 4328, or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
