COMMUNITY activist Moses Matiso from Atlantis was shot and killed at his church on Monday morning and his death is believed to be an assassination.

Matiso was elected chairperson of the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) JS Masakala Branch in Witsand just under a year ago.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident and said that Atlantis police are investigating a murder.

Twigg reports: “Atlantis police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Monday, 31 March 2025, in Ngonyama Street, Witsand, Atlantis, in which a 32-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded.

"Police members responded to a complaint of a shooting at a church and upon arrival on the scene they found the victim with gunshot wounds to his body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

"According to reports two unknown gunmen entered the premises and started shooting at the victim before fleeing the scene. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation."

The SANCO JS Masakala Branch released a statement saying that Moses was a dedicated community leader committed to justice and development.

It states: “On Monday, March 31, 2025, he was brutally shot dead at his church located on the corner of Mnga and Mnama Street, Witsand, Atlantis. This heinous act is believed to be linked to many criminal syndicates that have been targeting him ever since he pledged to fight against crime in our community.

"Many of these criminals had been arrested since 2024 but were repeatedly granted bail, allowing them to continue their reign of terror. The failure of the justice system to keep them behind bars has now resulted in this devastating loss.

"We call on Law Enforcement agencies to act swiftly in apprehending those responsible and demand a thorough investigation into the judicial failures that enabled this tragedy. Our community will not be silenced and we will continue to fight for justice and a crime free Witsand.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais shared her comments on the killing of Matiso.

She adds: "I condemn the senseless killing of Moses Matiso in the strongest terms. I call on the South African Police Service to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book."

Sergeant Twigg is appealing to anyone with any information about this shooting incident to kindly contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.