SICK STREETS – Retreat day hospital reopens after skietery at its doorstep

NewsSportLifestyleEntertainmentOpinionNewsSICK STREETS – Retreat day hospital reopens after skietery at its doorstepMarsha Dean|Published 12 minutes agoCopy to ClipboardAsk AIGUN CRAZY: One dead and three woundedRETREAT Day Hospital has reopened after a temporary lockdown following a shooting near the clinic in Cafda Village that left a 41-year-old man dead and three others wounded – a day after a prayer march down the same road.

The shooting happened at about 3.30pm on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in Bernstein Street, Retreat, where four people were shot.

According to police, the four victims were standing in the road when suspects in an unknown vehicle drove into the street and opened fire before fleeing.

The injured victims, aged 16, 18 and 21, were taken to a medical facility for treatment, while the 41-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Steenberg detectives were investigating murder and attempted murder cases.

“Steenberg police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Sunday afternoon, 18 October 2026, at about 15:30, in Bernstein Street, Retreat.

“Upon arrival on the scene, they found four males who sustained gunshot wounds to their bodies.

“A 41-year-old male was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while three others aged 16, 18 and 21 were transported to a medical facility for treatment.

“According to reports, the victims were standing in the road when suspects in an unknown vehicle entered the street and opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Steenberg detectives are investigating murder and attempted murder cases.”

Following the shooting, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness activated its safety protocols and placed Retreat Community Health Centre under lockdown to protect patients and staff.

Public access was temporarily suspended, while people needing emergency care were redirected to nearby 24-hour medical facilities.

Department spokesperson Monique Johnstone confirmed yesterday morning that the centre had reopened following a security assessment.

The shooting came a day after residents, safety structures and faith leaders held a prayer walk in Cafda on Saturday, calling for an end to the violence gripping the community.

It also happened just a week after a high-speed gang chase spilled into an innocent family’s yard in Cafda, leaving a mother of three, whose baby was just two weeks old, and a man dead.

Nicola Small, chairperson of the Steenberg Community Police Forum (CPF), said residents were angry and frustrated by the continued violence.

“On the ground, the community is angry and frustrated. We held a prayer walk in Cafda on Saturday, only to be faced with another shooting on Sunday. Residents are calling for tangible interventions, including CCTV cameras and a safety plan from SAPS and other stakeholders.

“We need to stand together and find solutions. The CPF wants to join hands with community leaders and residents who are willing to work towards meaningful change. Already, people have put up their hands and shown a willingness to get involved. That kind of commitment matters. We need more people to step forward and be part of the solution.”

“Anyone with information about illegal firearms, the movement of guns, or those involved in criminal activity must share it with SAPS, anonymously if needed via the MySAPS app, or CRIME STOP on 08600 10111 or the CPF.”

BACK IN BUSINESS: Clinic reopens after security assessment