Members of the Maitland Flying Squad responded swiftly to a shooting incident at Maitland Cemetery in Kensington on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals.

The officers, acting on reports of gunfire, arrived at the scene at approximately 13:00 and blocked exit roads before tactically approaching the graveyard. Upon arrival, they encountered a group of 40 to 50 people gathered at a gravesite, some of whom were performing a gun salute.

Three suspects, aged 32, 36, and 50, were arrested and face charges including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of a prohibited firearm. During the operation, police seized:

Additionally, four abandoned firearms were recovered near the grave:

The confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other criminal activities.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May 2025.

Western Cape acting provincial commissioner, Maj. Gen. Bongani Maqhashalala, issued a strong warning against the illegal and dangerous actions often seen at funerals. He condemned the brandishing of firearms and discharging shots into the air, whether at gravesites or the homes of deceased individuals, labeling it a blatant violation of the law and a threat to public safety.

“Such actions are not a celebration but a danger to society,” Maj. Gen. Maqhashalala stated. “The rule of law will prevail, and those who break it will face the consequences.”

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal firearm possession and reckless endangerment, ensuring that those who disregard the law are held accountable.

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