Delft Father Shot Dead Outside Creche After Dropping Off Children

A Delft father was gunned down in front of a church in Belhar, Western Cape, on Tuesday morning, moments after dropping his children off at creche.

The victim has been identified as Grant Stephens (35) from Roosendal, Delft. He had just left the Kids World ECD at the Logos Assembly of God Church with his wife after dropping off their two young boys when an unknown gunman approached and opened fire, shooting him in the head and body.

Stephens died at the scene. His wife escaped unharmed.

Delft Family Devastated

Grant’s father, Saul Stephens, said the family is shattered.

“He dropped his children at creche every day because it was on his way to work. After he and his wife dropped them off, a jong came on foot and started shooting him. His wife fell flat on the ground and was not hurt.

“I don’t know what possessed that guy to shoot Grant — he was never involved in gangsterism or trouble. He was married, worked every day, and when he wasn’t working, he was home with his family. This incident has left us traumatised,” he said.

Police Investigation Underway

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Belhar detectives are investigating a murder case.

“Belhar police responded to a complaint of a shooting in Drake Street, Belhar, on Wednesday morning, 20 August 2025, at about 07:50. Upon arrival, they found a 35-year-old male with gunshot wounds to the head and body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene.

“According to reports, the victim had just dropped off his children when an unknown suspect approached him and shot him before fleeing. The motive forms part of the ongoing investigation,” Twigg said.

Community Outrage

Rose Abrahams, Deputy PRO for the Belhar Community Police Forum, described the shooting as “a horrendous act of violence.”

“The CPF and the community are deeply traumatised. We pray for the perpetrators to be brought to justice speedily. At this stage, the motive is unknown, but a murder case is under investigation,” Abrahams said.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app anonymously.

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