A suspected perlemoen smuggler and drug dealer, as well as a gangster, were gunned down in a double hit on Tuesday evening in Philippi.
Police say Leon Titus, 50, and Patrick de Kock, 51, were attacked while driving on Weltevreden Road in a silver Toyota double cab bakkie.
Pictures of the scene, with Titus slumped over in the vehicle, his face and neck with gunshot wounds visible, were spread on social media.
De Kock, who was in the passenger seat, was also killed in the shooting.
According to Timeslive, sources said the duo were waiting on the shoulder of Weltevreden Road when the shooters arrived in a silver Toyota sedan.
Witnesses said the men appeared to be talking to the duo from their vehicle on the opposite side of the road.
They then apparently fired 13 shots at Titus and De Kock before fleeing the scene.
The publication’s source also alleged that Titus was a police informant with an affiliation to slain 28s boss Ernie “Lastig” Solomons.
According to a police source who spoke to the Daily Voice, Titus is said to be affiliated to the 28s gang and was a known abalone smuggler.
The source says: "Titus was a well known underground drug dealer and abalone smuggler. He wasn't an active member of the 28s, but he had an affiliation to the gang. His father was also known for drug dealing in Westridge, Mitchells plain.
“I guess he took over the business.”
The source adds that De Kock was an alleged Americans gang member.
“He had close ties with Kaldimola ‘Dimes’ Madatt. He was from Rocklands in Mitchells Plain.”
When the Daily Voice arrived at Titus’ Zeekoevlei home yesterday, dozens of mourners had gathered at the mansion in a fleet of luxury cars outside.
A man and a woman who came to the gate said the family did not want to speak.
“Sorry, but the family is not available to comment. We would like our privacy,” they said.
The source said Titus owned nine homes, several luxury vehicles and a boat.
Police spokeswoman Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the incident and said no one has been arrested yet.
Rwexana said: “Please be advised that Philippi police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a double murder that occurred Tuesday night at about 7.30pm at Weltevrede Road, Philippi.
“According to reports, two men aged 50 and 51 were shot and fatally wounded inside a Toyota bakkie by unidentified suspects who are yet to be arrested.
“Police detectives are following up on leads in order to bring the perpetrators to book.
“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.”
dailyvoice@inl.co.za