GOOD Statement by Marius van Stade,
GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor and Mayoral Candidate
16 October 2026
GOOD Stellenbosch Councillor and Mayoral Candidate, Marius van Stade, has submitted a formal letter to the Municipal Manager calling for urgent municipal intervention and an independent investigation following allegations that Stellenbosch Law Enforcement officers fired shots during a confrontation over a partially erected, allegedly unlawful structure in Jonkershoek on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
Residents contacted Van Stade for assistance, alleging that shots were fired in the presence of community members, including children. During his subsequent oversight visit, he encountered a deeply distressed community.
“Residents described fear and panic. They told me that children were present and that frightened dogs ran towards their owners for protection. These accounts must be taken seriously and investigated impartially,” said Van Stade.
Community members further allege that an officer threatened to shoot a resident in the face. Residents also reported that officers had no visible names or identification on their uniforms and that no body cameras appeared to be active during the intervention.
“Residents deserve answers about the alleged discharge of weapons, the threats reported and whether officers followed the Municipality’s standard operating procedures. We also need clarity on officer identification and whether any body-camera recordings exist,” Van Stade said.
According to community leaders, residents requested legal documentation authorising the removal of the structure. They also questioned why this particular structure was targeted while officers reportedly passed other allegedly unlawful structures on the same land without taking action.
The land is understood to belong to the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). GOOD is seeking confirmation of its ownership and clarity on the legal basis for the Municipality’s intervention, including any relevant authorisation or arrangement with DPWI.
Van Stade is requesting that the Office of the Municipal Manager commission an investigation independent of the officers and operational command involved. It must establish:
- The legal authority for the operation and whether relevant documents were provided to residents.
- Whether shots were fired, by whom, with what weapons and ammunition, and whether any injuries or reports to SAPS followed.
- Whether officers complied with procedures governing de-escalation, crowd management, identification, body cameras and the use of force.
- Whether the alleged threat to shoot a resident in the face occurred.
- Why this structure was selected for enforcement and whether consistent criteria were applied.
GOOD further calls for the immediate preservation of all available footage, photographs, radio communications, operational instructions, incident reports and weapons-discharge records. Witnesses must be able to provide statements without intimidation.
“I condemn any conduct that unlawfully threatens resident’s safety or infringes their dignity. Municipal enforcement must be lawful, proportionate and accountable. An allegation of unlawful construction does not remove the obligation to protect people’s safety and treat them with dignity,” said Van Stade.
GOOD urges the Municipality to take immediate steps to prevent further confrontation, facilitate appropriate support for affected residents and provide a clear investigation timetable.
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za