Athlone Horror: Two Women And 9-Month-Old Baby Gunned Down In Night-Time Shooting

Three people — including a nine-month-old baby — were shot dead in Athlone on Tuesday night, while two others were left wounded in what police have described as a brutal attack.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire at Sunbird Court at approximately 22:00 on 17 February 2026. On arrival, they found the bodies of two women, aged 25 and 36, along with the infant. All three had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Two adult men were also shot and injured during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Athlone Police Launch Manhunt for Three Suspects

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), preliminary investigations indicate that three unknown suspects fled the scene shortly after the shooting.

No arrests have been made, and the motive for the attack remains under investigation.

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Detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are leading the probe, with police confirming that all available resources have been mobilised to track down those responsible.

SAPS Condemns ‘Heinous Crime’

SAPS has unequivocally condemned the killings and assured residents of Athlone and surrounding communities that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to book and restore stability in the area.

Members of the public with information that could assist investigators are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

The deadly shooting has left the Athlone community shaken as police intensify their search for the suspects.