Social media has been flooded with grief, outrage and calls for action following the tragic loss of the boy, one of three people killed in a mass shooting that also claimed the lives of Cleo Bailey, 19, and Mougsheen Daniels, 26. Two other people, aged 51 and 36, were wounded in the attack.
Residents are particularly shaken by Zechariah’s death, voicing their heartbreak and frustration over the ongoing violence on the Cape Flats. Many expressed their anger on social media, highlighting the community’s fear and exhaustion with repeated shootings.
On the Saturday Star‘s sister publication, Daily Voice’s Facebook page, residents shared prayers, condolences and anger over the ongoing violence. “Lord, I pray today for Mitchells Plain,” wrote one user, while another said, “I pray for the safety of everyone in the area.” Others questioned the motive behind the attack or urged the community to stand together, with one commenter adding: “This must stop – bring in the army and the government needs to act.”
The shooting unfolded around 9pm in Viscount Street when four unknown gunmen allegedly stormed the property and opened fire. Neighbours said the house has long been a known problem spot where gang members hide out.
Many called for stronger policing and protective measures in the area, with some urging government intervention to curb gang-related shootings. The incident has struck a chord across the community, as people voice their heartbreak over the loss of a young life in an environment already scarred by repeated acts of violence.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut confirmed that an intensive manhunt has been launched.
“Preliminary reports indicate that four unidentified gunmen opened fire on the premises before entering the house and shooting the victims. Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit have been assigned to the investigation and are pursuing several promising leads to track down the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime,” he said.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile condemned the attack, saying gang violence will not be allowed to hold communities hostage.
“Gangsterism has no place in our society. We will tighten the net around these criminal elements and ensure they face the full might of the law,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application.
