Grant Stephens, a 35-year-old father from Roosendal in Delft, lost his life in a tragic incident known as the Belhar church shooting on Wednesday morning. He dropped off his two young boys at Kids World ECD creche with his wife. As they exited, an unknown gunman approached on foot and fired shots into his head and body. Medics declared him dead at the scene. His wife escaped unhurt but fell flat during the attack.
Stephens worked hard every day and stayed home with family on off days. He avoided any gangsterism or trouble, his father Saul Stephens said.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the details of the church shooting incident.
“Belhar police responded to a complaint of a shooting… The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel,” he stated. “The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation.”
Community Left Shaken
The Belhar church shooting traumatized staff, parents and locals. Pastor Albert Higgins from Logos Church called for prayers in a notice.
“We ask that you please keep the Stephens family in your prayers during this devastating time,” he wrote.
He added that the act was “horrific” and happened “right outside God’s house.”
Rose Abrahams from Belhar Community Police Forum (CPF) shared the shock.
“The CPF and the community is traumatised by this horrendous act of violence and pray for the perpetrators to be brought to justice speedily,” she stated.
Saul Stephens echoed the pain and distress caused by this incident.
“This incident has left us all traumatised,” he noted.
Call for Justice
Police urge tips on the Belhar shooting. Contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use MySAPS app anonymously.
This event highlights rising gun violence in Cape Town. Families deserve safe spaces like creches without fear. Authorities must act fast to stop these attacks and bring peace back to neighborhoods.
