'MY BRO DIDN'T KILL DAD'

THE daughter of an oupa who was fatally shot in Vygieskraal in Athlone last week says it was not her brother who killed their father.

The Daily Voice published the article ‘SON SHOT PA DEAD’ on 23 May 2025, in which a bystander claimed that the son of the victim killed his father, thinking it was his enemy amid a gang turf war.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience to the family as the son has not been arrested or charged for the incident.

The man’s sister says her father was shot on 22 May around 7am at his home in Violet Close while throwing water out. Another man was shot in the face later that day in nearby Pearl Street as gangs exchanged gunfire.

However, the woman and other angered members of the community say claims that her broer killed their father are wrong, saying that – at the time her father was shot – her brother was getting dressed at his house a few kilometres from their father’s house.

According to her, her brother, who had previously faced charges of murder and had his case withdrawn, has since kept a low profile, but has now received death threats.

She was joined for her interview with the Daily Voice at Athlone police station by other community members, who say a rift in the community has left many living in fear.

One aunty explains: “People of the informal settlements are fearful of the [youngsters] that live in the houses, because the bullets go through the sinkplate.

“Even my children were threatened the same day of the incident. 

“They couldn’t even go to school and then they had to stay at home while I was at Home Affairs in town and then I got a call that they threatened my children and if they go to school the people are going to wait for them and shoot them.”

Another woman says: “This is a mind game whereby there is a big family. 

“So this family has [youngsters] who are alleged gangsters.

“What they do if something is happening amongst different gangster groups is that they blame those in the informal settlements so it can be empty. Then the [youngsters] from the houses can enter.

“Then they rob people at the shacks and shoot the people. And they stand with their mothers because they are a family and their mothers defend them.”

They further expressed their anger, stating that Athlone police station only protect the mense in houses, while the rest are fair game.

The community further appealed to law enforcement and metro police officials to assist them.

Their Community Policing Forum (CPF) is also non-existent.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says: “In response to your media enquiry kindly be advised that the matter you are referring to is still under investigation. No arrests have been made yet.

“We appeal to anyone with any information about this shooting incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.”