Police probe murder after brother allegedly kills sisters near Portland Primary School

Mitchell’s Plain detectives are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after two sisters died after a shooting outside Portland Primary School.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a man, 32, was arrested in connection with the murders.

Mitchell’s Plain police station commander Brigadier Brian Muller said the man, 32, will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 10.

Sergeant Twigg said police arrived in Wespoort Drive, Portland, on Thursday, November 6 at 3pm and found two women, aged 26 and 30, fatally wounded, and a boy, 12, injured.

“According to reports, the victims were approached by a relative who opened fire on them. The woman, 26, was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other two victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment, where the woman, 30, was declared deceased on arrival,” Sergeant Twigg said.

Brigadier Muller confirmed that the suspect is allegedly the brother of the deceased. He said the shooting took place while the sisters were sitting in a Range Rover vehicle near the school.

“The suspect first shot one of the sisters who was seated in the car. The other sister, who was driving, jumped out and ran towards the school, but he chased after her and shot her too,” Brigadier Muller said.

The suspect allegedly fled the scene but was later traced to his home and arrested. It is understood that the two sisters had custody of two children following a previous court order, Brigadier Muller said. 

Sergeant Twigg said the motive for the attack is believed to be domestic-related.

Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, said reports indicate that two members of a foster family were allegedly targeted by the biological parent of another pupil. 

"The perpetrator was allegedly a sibling. In addition, an innocent bystander, a Grade 6 pupil, was also injured and was taken to hospital. He has been discharged, said Ms Hammond.

“The WCED was on the scene to provide support. Counselling support has been arranged for all pupils and the pupil victim. This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved,” she said.

The Portland Ratepayers Association chairperson, Oleander Oakes, said this shook them deeply. 

“Children were leaving school - parents were waiting. It’s a wound felt across Portland,” she said.  

“We’re grateful to SAPS, our neighbourhood watch, and neighbourhood safety officers for their swift response. Their presence helped restore calm. Now we must keep showing up - for safety, for healing, for each other,” she said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic shooting,” she said.

Police investigations are ongoing.