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Gunmen storm Franschhoek home, killing three people

Robin-Lee Francke|Published

Police launched a manhunt after a mass shooting in Franschhoek in the Western Cape.

Image: IOL

Police in the Western Cape have launched a manhunt for two unidentified suspects following a deadly mass shooting in Franschhoek on Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

The targeted attack, which took place inside a residential property in the Groendal area, resulted in the deaths of three men and left a woman and another man seriously injured.

The shooting incident took place just before 10am in Jakaranda Street in Groendal.

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said five people were shot resulting in the death of three.

“Reports from the scene indicate that two gunmen entered a home in Jakaranda Street, Groendal, at approximately 9.55am on Sunday and fired several shots. Three men were killed on the scene, and a woman and another man were injured. The victims are between the ages of 30 and 35,” Potelwa said.

While mass shootings are more frequently reported in Cape Town's Cape Flats area, rural and winelands towns like Franschhoek have seen an uptick in violent crime incidents over recent years.

Franschhoek police have opened murder and attempted murder dockets for investigations.

“Provincial Serious Violent Crimes detectives have since taken over the investigation. No arrests have been effected yet, and the motive for the shooting incident is the subject of the investigation currently underway. The search for the perpetrators of the crime continues,” Potelwa said.

Police urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.

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IOL