Cape Town police are on high alert following a disturbing incident involving an armed man who allegedly entered a Bellville school and inquired about the whereabouts of a police officer’s child. The shocking case has now triggered a R50,000 cash reward for any information that leads to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the man walked into the learning institution shortly after 3pm on Friday, 20 June 2025, and approached an aftercare teacher with questions about a specific learner. It was later revealed that the child is the son or daughter of a South African Police Service (SAPS) member.
Fortunately, the child had already been picked up earlier that day. But police believe the timing and the man’s targeted enquiry were far from random.
“It is imperative that the person be traced and brought in for questioning,” said Swartbooi. “This individual may have key information related to an active investigation.”
The man, believed to be armed, was captured on a school surveillance camera, and authorities have since distributed the image in hopes that someone will recognise him.
The Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation and views this as a potentially serious threat—especially with the suspect targeting the family of a law enforcement officer.
“We’re appealing to anyone who may recognise the man or has seen suspicious activity around schools in the Bellville area to come forward immediately,” urged Swartbooi.
While no violence occurred, the situation is being handled with extreme caution, and police have not ruled out the possibility that the officer or their family may have been deliberately targeted. Whether this was an intimidation tactic, an attempted abduction, or something more personal is still unclear.
SAPS has made it clear that this is not a situation to take lightly. With rising concerns over violence against law enforcement and their families, this incident has hit close to home for many in the service.
The R50,000 reward is available to any member of the public who can help identify, locate, and provide evidence that leads to the successful conviction of the man in question.
Do you think police officers and their families should get more protection? Is this incident part of a growing trend or an isolated case?
📌 Share your thoughts or vote in the poll below:
Should schools improve security for children of law enforcement?
-
Yes, absolutely
-
No, treat all students equally
-
Maybe, depending on threat levels
Tags: SAPS, Bellville Crime, Armed Suspect, Cape Town Safety, School Security, R50K Reward, Police Family Targeted, Violent Crimes SA, South African News
Read also: MK Party’s bold push for SA–Morocco alliance stirs debate in Parliament — here’s what it means for Africa. Read it here
Follow for breaking stories that matter most to South Africans.
Source: IOL News
0 Comments