A 31-year-old man was shot dead after dropping his child at a primary school in Athlone, Cape Town, on Tuesday morning, 6 October.

The shooting happened at about 7:40 am in Belgravia Road, opposite the school. The man was in a silver Hyundai i10.

Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his face and upper body. Medical personnel declared him dead at the scene.

Gunmen fled after the attack

Van Wyk said reports indicated that the man had just dropped off his child when unknown gunmen approached him and opened fire.

The suspects fled the scene. Police said they had not yet been arrested.

Crime scene experts examined the area for clues following the shooting. Athlone police registered a murder case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Police believe the motive may be gang-related. However, this remains part of the investigation. The information provided does not establish the victim’s alleged gang affiliation as a confirmed fact.

Counselling offered as classes continue

The Western Cape Education Department confirmed that it was aware of the incident.

Speaking to IOL, the department’s communications director, Bronagh Hammond, said Safe Schools staff and psychosocial support personnel were at the school to assist.

Counselling was made available to people who may have witnessed the shooting or its aftermath.

Despite the incident, lessons continued. “Teaching and learning have continued as scheduled,” Hammond said.

The department’s response focused on providing support at the school while maintaining the teaching programme.

Police appeal for information

Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as investigators work to identify the gunmen.

The investigation remains ongoing, with no arrests reported