CAPE TOWN — 1993 · Major Tragedy

The St James Church Attack

ClosedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

On the evening of Sunday 25 July 1993, four gunmen threw grenades and opened fire on worshippers during a service at St James Church in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Eleven people were killed and more than fifty wounded; the dead included Russian seamen attending through a church outreach programme. A congregant returned fire with a licensed handgun, prompting the attackers to flee. The attack was carried out by members of the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA). One perpetrator was convicted, but in 1998 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission granted the attackers amnesty. It is remembered as one of the bloodiest attacks of the transition era.

Date: 1993
Place: Kenilworth, Western Cape, South Africa, Cape Town, ZA
Category: Major Tragedy
Case Status: Closed
Coordinates: -33.9970, 18.4740 ↗

Timeline of Events

25 July 1993St James Church was attacked during the evening service.
1994One perpetrator was tried and jailed.

1998The Truth and Reconciliation Commission granted the attackers amnesty.
2023Memorials marked the 30th anniversary.

Sources

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