Four-Year-Old Among Four Shot At Retreat Memorial Service As Police Probe Deadly Attack

A four-year-old child was among four people shot during a memorial service in Retreat on Wednesday evening. A 24-year-old man was killed in the attack, while the child and two other victims were wounded. Police have launched a murder and attempted murder investigation.

The shooting happened at an open field in Beethoven Street, Cafda, at about 8.40pm. According to police, people attending the memorial service were packing up and preparing to leave when gunmen struck.

Retreat Memorial Service Shooting Leaves One Dead And Three Injured

Western Cape police said a white Mercedes-Benz AMG with a black roof pulled up at the scene before five armed suspects got out of the vehicle. The suspects allegedly opened fire on people attending the memorial service. A 24-year-old man was fatally shot.

Three other victims, aged four, 18 and 40, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Police initially recorded the child’s age as three, but the family later confirmed the child is four years old.

Provincial police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said:

“Kindly be advised that Steenberg police registered a case of murder and three counts of attempted murder, following a shooting that occurred at Beethoven Street, Cafda, Retreat on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at about 8.40pm.

“According to reports, the victims were attending a memorial service at an open field.

“As they were packing up, preparing to leave, a white Mercedes-Benz AMG with a black roof drove by and stopped.

“Five suspects emerged from the vehicle and directed fire at the attendees.

“A 24-year-old male was fatally wounded while three victims aged three (confirmed by the family as four), 18 and 40 sustained gunshot wounds.

“The motive for the shooting is a subject of police investigation and no arrest has been made at this stage.”

Residents Describe Ongoing Violence In Retreat

Residents said the area remains tense following the shooting. One community member described Beethoven Street as an area affected by gang violence and said the attack had left many fearful.

“That side of Beethoven Street is dangerous with gang activity.

“I was in my house when I heard the gunshots go off and later heard that a child and more people were shot.

“I was aware of a memorial service that took place, but I don’t know whose it was.

“These gangsters have no mercy; they just shoot. That is why you are better off in your house.”

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The family of the injured four-year-old declined to speak to the media, saying they feared for their safety.

Steenberg Community Police Forum chairperson Nicola Small said the child had reportedly been shot in the leg.

“It was reported that the child was shot in the leg. I am not sure what the motive for the attack is at this stage. SAPS is investigating.”

Second Fatal Shooting Reported In Lavender Hill

In a separate incident on Wednesday afternoon, a man believed to have links to the Mongrels gang was shot and killed in Dover Court, Lavender Hill. Emergency personnel declared him dead at the scene. Police have also opened an investigation into that killing.

Western Cape police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said detectives are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“The detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident, and no arrests have been made yet,” she said.

Small said it is too early to determine whether the Retreat and Lavender Hill shootings are connected or gang-related.