Drive-By Mass Shooting in Ottery Leaves Four Injured Including 12-Year-Old Child

Four people were injured in an Ottery drive-by shooting on Friday. Police are searching for the occupants of a white Toyota Etios involved in the attack.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 7:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Eyewitness News

Targeted Drive-By Attack in Residential Street

Law enforcement agencies in Cape Town have launched a manhunt following a violent drive-by shooting in the Ottery area on Friday, May 1, 2026. The incident occurred during the afternoon when a white Toyota Etios drove down a residential street and the occupants opened fire on a group of people. The sudden barrage of gunfire left four individuals wounded, the youngest being a 12-year-old child. All victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment following the attack.

Vulnerable Victims and Community Impact

The age range of the victims, between 12 and 23 years old, has sparked significant concern among local residents and safety advocates. The Grassy Park Community Police Forum (CPF) confirmed that the casualties include minors caught in the crossfire of escalating urban violence. While the motive behind the attack has not yet been officially established, community leaders suggested the shooting could be linked to ongoing disputes within the area, though investigations are still in the preliminary stages.

Grassy Park CPF Response and Public Safety Concerns

Nicole Jacobus, chairperson of the Grassy Park CPF, noted that while the community is reeling from the event, such violence is becoming a distressing norm across various Cape Town suburbs. She highlighted a "mixed feeling" within the community regarding the potential deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist local police in curbing the bloodshed. Jacobus emphasized that despite the fear, active community participation is essential to breaking the cycle of violence.