Aunty Hester Taaibosch, 55, who lived in Joseph Street was killed yesterday morning about 300m from her Carmen Street home.
It is not clear if the kerksuster was targeted or was caught in gang-related shooting.
Residents say the woman was well known in the community for her generous nature.
Neighbour Sophia van Reenen, 66, says she was shocked at the news.
“It is sick how she was shot and killed in the street. An innocent lady, who minded her business and her family, unless she was helping other people,” she says.
“She was so close to her house and now she has been ripped from her family - and Sunday is Mother’s Day.
“How must her family feel? Her poor children. She got up early in the morning to go and work and was killed like it’s nothing, in the middle of the street.”
An angry Sophia called on government to step in because gangs are no longer just killing each other, but also targeting innocent mothers.
“All we can do is pray for our mothers and carry each other through this horrible time of mourning. The children can’t even speak, they are so traumatised by their mother’s passing,” she adds.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirms the tragedy.
“Circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on 11 May at about 5.20am at Carmen Street, Scottsdene, where a 55-year-old woman was fatally wounded are under investigation,” he says. “She passed away at the scene. A murder case was opened for investigation. The investigation continues.”