Three people lost their lives to gun violence in Khayamandi at the weekend.
Stellenbosch police are investigating the senseless killings after two separate shooting incidences, one of which claimed the life of Stellenbosch municipal councillor Xolile Kalipa.
In the first incident police were called out to the scene in Watergang on Friday (2 May) after reports of a shooting.
On their arrival officers discovered the body of an unknown woman in the street. Bystanders from the community informed the police another person had been shot inside the house. “The female was already deceased when members arrived,” said Stellenbosch police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin.
“An officer went into the house, where he found an unknown man standing at the door, who admitted that he shot the two people. The suspect was still in possession of the firearm and the officer removed it from his possession.”
She said the second victim, a wounded man, was rushed to Stellenbosch Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The alleged shooter was arrested and two murder cases are under investigation.
In the second incident, police were called out to Swart Close at 21:26 on Sunday (4 May), where they discovered the lifeless body of 54-year-old Kalipa lying between two vehicles.
Fatally gunned down
Martin said the councillor was shot multiple times and was declared dead on the scene by paramedics. In a statement, Stellenbosch Municipality said Kalipa had been a beloved and deeply respected community leader. “I am devastated by the loss of Councillor Kalipa,” said Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser. “He was a dedicated public servant, a voice for the voiceless and a pillar of strength in his community.
“His passion for uplifting our people – especially the youth and women as part of his Community Services Portfolio – was evident in everything he did. We have not only lost a colleague but a friend and true champion of social development.”
Community members described Kalipa as a “humble soul” and see his death as a loss to the Khayamandi community.
He served as a Cape Winelands District Municipality councillor for two terms before his election to Stellenbosch Municipality in 2021.
Antoinette Steyn, Mayor of the Bergrivier Municipality, shared her memories of Kalipa, saying although he could be a man of few words he was a stalwart.
From across the aisle, Marius van Stade of GOOD added to the calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into the “senseless act of violence”.
Kalipa was known as a soft-spoken, humble and dedicated public servant who held the community at heart.
Cases not related
On Monday (5 May) the DA in the Western Cape said it would closely monitor the investigation, urging police to hunt down the killers. “Xolile was ruthlessly gunned down in Khayamandi on Sunday evening,” Tertuis Simmers, DA Western Cape leader, said.
“While the DA strongly condemns the incident, we urge the police to act swiftly to capture the murderers.”
According to Martin, police don’t suspect a connection between the cases.
• Anyone with information on either incident can contact Stellenbosch police on
021 809 5015 or 082 522 1912.
