TWO SHOT DEAD AT ATHLONE COURT

TWO men were shot dead within minutes of each other near the Athlone Magistrate’s Court yesterday. 

A chilling eyewitness account has revealed the men were targeted by gunmen after leaving the courthouse.

Crime scene experts moved between two cordoned-off locations as Athlone police opened two separate murder dockets.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “Preliminary report: Crime scene experts are currently on two scenes near Athlone Magistrate’s court combing the areas for clues.”

The first attack unfolded at 1.45pm, when a 32-year-old man was shot and killed while sitting in a car about 50 metres from the court.

Five minutes later, gunfire erupted again, this time in Kewtown, roughly 300 metres away, a 31-year-old man was shot dead.

Van Wyk said: “The suspect/s fled the scene in an unknown direction. The motive for these attack forms part of the police investigation.”

He urged residents to come forward with information, adding: “Anyone with information about these shooting incidents is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

The double killing comes after a string of shootings linked to the Athlone court precinct over the past year.

An eyewitness who was at the scene and does not want to be named for safety concerns said she witnessed the two men being gunned down.

She told the Daily Voice: “I was at Athlone Court and while I was making my way out, the two men who were gunned down were also leaving court. 

“I noticed the one man making his way to his transport which was waiting for him outside when a car pulled up and two occupants jumped out and started shooting at the deceased.

"They shot him multiple times, his body was lying on the pavement. The other victim tried to run away because he saw everything that happened but they chased him and shot him until he collapsed across the road.

"I was so shocked, I am still shaking. It happened so unexpectedly, innocent people could have gotten hurt.” 

In September, residents held a vigil outside the courthouse following a weekend of violence — including a man shot on the premises of the court and another attack near the Dr Abdurahman Community Health Centre in Kewtown. 

Police have not confirmed whether yesterday’s shootings are connected to previous cases, and investigations continue.