The community of Mitchells Plain is reeling after a devastating mass shooting in Rocklands that left three people dead—among them a nine-year-old boy—and two others seriously injured. The violent attack, carried out by four masked gunmen on Tuesday night, has once again highlighted the ongoing gang-related tensions that plague the area.
The shooting occurred around 9pm in Viscount Street when the attackers stormed a house and a nearby wendy house, unleashing a barrage of gunfire on the occupants inside. The victims were caught completely off guard, with no chance to escape the hail of bullets.
Among the deceased was young **Zechariah Matthee**, a nine-year-old described by his family as a joyful and loving child. Zechariah, who had been raised by his grandmother following the death of his father, was shot in the head and face while in the wendy house. The other victims killed were **Cleo Bailey**, 19, and **Mougsheen Daniels**, 26.
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A devastated family member, who had been at a nearby shop when the shots rang out, described the traumatic moment she returned home to the horrifying scene. “I heard the gunshots and ran back immediately. People were shouting that Zechariah was shot. When I reached the room, he was already gone,” she said through tears.
She went on to explain that the gunmen targeted both the main house and the wendy house. Daniels was found slumped over, also shot in the head, while Bailey lay near her bed, fatally wounded. “My brother was also inside. He was shot in the arm. His arm is broken in two,” she added, recalling the chaos and panic of the night.
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Two additional victims, aged 51 and 36, sustained injuries during the attack and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Residents of the area say the home has long been a hotspot for trouble and was frequently associated with gang activity. Several neighbours reported that ongoing tensions involving the **Fancy Boys gang** had made the atmosphere in the street increasingly volatile. One resident stressed that the latest shooting came as no surprise: “For the past three weeks, the Fancy Boys have been taking over here. They even argue with the community and claim this is their territory. They want us to be scared. This house must be shut down.”
The brazen attack has sparked widespread calls for stronger policing and intervention measures to protect residents who feel trapped amid escalating gangsterism.
Police spokesperson **Andrè Traut** confirmed that an urgent and intensive manhunt had been launched to track down the perpetrators. “Preliminary reports indicate that four unidentified gunmen opened fire on the premises before entering the house and shooting the victims,” Traut said. He added that detectives from the **Anti-Gang Unit** have taken over the investigation and are following several promising leads.
Authorities are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. Community members can contact **Crime Stop at 08600 10111** or use the **MySAPS mobile app** to submit anonymous tips.
As Mitchells Plain mourns yet another tragedy, families and neighbours hope justice will be served—and that steps will be taken to prevent further bloodshed in an area long scarred by gang violence.
