By Buziwe Nocuze
• Five armed suspects opened fire on two security guards in KTC, killing one and stealing his firearm before fleeing, with police still searching for the attackers.
• Residents say security guards working in townships are often targeted for their guns and want companies to bring police backup to prevent more killings.
One security guard is dead and another is fighting for his life after a shooting in KTC, Cape Town.
The attack happened at about 14:30 on Friday, 30 January 2026.
The two guards were escorting a client who was doing electrical maintenance in the area when gunmen opened fire.
Gugulethu police opened a case of murder and attempted murder.
A local resident, Nolukholo Matu, who is 45 years old, said she was on her way to the mall when she heard gunshots.
She said she knew someone had been shot even before she reached the scene.
Matu said she first thought it was another extortion attack, where business people are targeted for refusing to pay protection fees.
When she arrived, she saw one of the security guards lying dead.
She said the other guard tried to run into nearby shacks to hide from the attackers.
Matu said it was painful to see people who were simply doing their jobs being killed.
She said this was not the first time security guards had been shot in the area.
Matu believes security companies should ask for police backup when working in townships.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said many security guards fear working in parts of Cape Town townships.
The resident said guards often cannot refuse work even when they know their lives are at risk.
They said criminals target security guards because they want their guns.
Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said five unknown suspects were involved.
He said the suspects were armed with rifles and handguns.
Gwala said a firearm with 15 rounds of ammunition was stolen from the dead guard.
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
Pictured above: Police tape
Image source: Supplied
