Cape Town – Police in the Western Cape have launched a manhunt for an unidentified armed suspect who entered a Bellville school in Cape Town, with “malicious intent” and demanded to know the whereabouts of a child whose parent is a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The incident occurred on Friday, 20 June 2025, at approximately 3pm, when the man allegedly gained access to the school premises and approached an aftercare teacher.
According to reports, the suspect was armed and specifically enquired about the learner, who had already been collected earlier that day.
Provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said detectives from the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have opened an enquiry docket and are urgently seeking assistance from the public to trace the man.
RT #sapsWC #SAPS Detectives attached to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are seeking the assistance of the public and offer a cash reward of up to R50,000.00 for information that will lead to the detention and successful conviction of an unidentified… pic.twitter.com/wcGpmJ8nDd
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 20, 2025
“It is imperative that the person be traced and brought in for questioning,” Swartbooi said.
Authorities have released a photograph of the suspect and offered a reward of up to R50,000 for any information that may lead to his detention and conviction.
The motive for the incident remains under investigation, but police have not ruled out a targeted threat given the link to a police member’s child.
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer Detective Constable Mawande Mqhwayi on 073 734 2611 or use the MySAPS mobile app to report tips anonymously.
The identity of the child and the name of the school are being withheld for safety reasons.
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
