CAPE TOWN – A 25-year-old man was fatally shot and a 12-year-old boy wounded in a shocking random attack at an animal welfare mobile clinic in Ravensmead on Wednesday morning, leaving the community reeling and veterinary staff traumatised.
According to the Animal Anti-Cruelty League Cape Town (AACL-CT) management, the victims were standing at their mobile clinic in Edgar Block Street, waiting to be assisted with their dog at approximately 11:40, when tragedy struck.
Captain FC van Wyk, Western Cape police media liaison officer, confirmed the incident. According to Van Wyk, an unknown gunman wearing a black hoodie approached the pair and randomly opened fire.
The 25-year-old man sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and died at the scene, while the child suffered gunshot wounds to his left shoulder and left leg. “The injured boy was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment,” Van Wyk said.
Police investigation underway
Van Wyk confirmed that Ravensmead police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder following the incident.
“The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined,” Van Wyk stated, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application to provide anonymous tips.
Veterinary staff left traumatised
The Animal Anti-Cruelty League expressed profound grief over the senseless violence that claimed the life of their client who had simply come seeking help for his pet.
Leandré van der Merwe, the organisation’s principalveterinarian, described the devastating impact on staff members who witnessed the horror.
“Our staff are the backbone of our organisation. Yesterday, they were forced to face the ultimate horror, and then had to literally clean up the aftermath of a tragedy in the very space where they usually save lives,” Van der Merwe said.
“We are prioritising the mental health and well-being of our team above all else right now. They are heroes, but they are also grieving and traumatised.”
The AACL is conducting a security assessment of their operations while focusing on supporting their traumatised employees. The organisation provides vital veterinary services to underserved communities through their mobile clinic programme.
The shooting has raised serious concerns about safety and security for essential service providers working in vulnerable communities. The mobile clinic regularly serves Ravensmead residents who cannot afford private veterinary care or transport their animals to distant facilities.
Call for justice
Both the AACL and police are appealing to the Ravensmead community to assist in bringing those responsible to justice. The organisation emphasised that their client was simply seeking help for his animal when he became a victim of senseless violence.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Ravensmead police or Crime Stop immediately. The investigation continues as police work to establish the motive and identify the perpetrator of this tragic attack.
