GOOD Statement by Grechard Petersen
GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor
15 July 2026
The GOOD Party in Stellenbosch expresses its deep concern and distress over the ongoing pattern of fatal shootings in Groendal, including the most recent reported loss of life in the community, which may be linked to extortion syndicates targeting local spaza shops.
Our thoughts are with the families of those who have so cruelly lost their lives, the injured victims, and all residents who continue to live under the shadow of violence and fear.
The triple murder in Jakaranda Street in May and the subsequent fatal shooting in Langrug were not isolated incidents. They form part of a disturbing pattern that points to a growing safety crisis in parts of Groendal. Residents deserve more than sympathy after each shooting; they deserve a coordinated response that prevents the next tragedy.
This situation is worsened by the fact that, as the GOOD PR representative in the area, I have already gone on record as having written to authorities, including local police, to request increased police visibility in the area.
As a GOOD councillor, I now call for:
- An immediate multi-agency safety intervention involving SAPS, provincial detectives, municipal law enforcement, and community policing structures.
- Increased visible policing in Groendal and Langrug, especially during evenings and weekends.
- Focused, intelligence-driven operations to remove illegal firearms from the area.
- Regular public feedback from SAPS on the progress of investigations into recent shootings.
- Expanded youth and violence-prevention programmes to address the social conditions that allow criminal networks to recruit vulnerable young people.
The GOOD Party believes that effective governance must combine support for law enforcement with tackling social inequalities. Communities can only become safer when criminals are held accountable and when vulnerable young people have meaningful alternatives to crime and substance abuse.
Franschhoek cannot continue to exist in two opposing realities: one of prosperity and tourism, and another of recurring violence, fear, and insecurity. The safety of Groendal residents must be treated with the same urgency and importance as the safety of every other resident in the Stellenbosch Municipality.
I call on anyone with information regarding these recent shootings and other criminal activities plaguing this beautiful valley to cooperate with investigators by reporting to SAPS or using anonymous reporting channels.
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za