MAN KILLED AT COURT

A 30-YEAR-OLD man was shot and killed outside Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.

Athlone police spokesperson, Sergeant Zita Norman, said the man had arrived at court for a matter at 9.41am. 

As he walked through the gate, an unknown suspect came from behind and shot him twice in the back and once in the head. The shooting has been linked to the Laughing Boys gang.

Police said there were eyewitnesses to the killing. The area was volatile after the attack, and SAPS urged communities to avoid Athlone CBD while investigations continued.

Athlone News arrived at the scene to find family members crying in distress. One of the women, shouting in anger, told the publication: “She knew what she did. Sy het geweet wat sy doen, hoekom is sy nie hier nie?”

The person she was referring to is unknown to the publication. When contacted again, the family declined to comment.

A witness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she dropped to the ground inside the court when she heard the five gunshots from outside.

“I was scared and just hoped everyone was okay.”

George George, 88, from Manenberg, said the shooting created chaos.

“We don’t know who to complain to at this point. We can’t trust the cops, as the gangster might even be connected to them,” he said.

A Philippi resident outside the court said it was shocking that the shooting happened so close to a police station.

“It’s not safe at all if someone is shot next to the police station while officers are around,” the resident said. 

A shopkeeper nearby said he saw the shooter fire two bullets, run, and then return to fire three more shots.

“This happens many times, not the first time. Sometimes people run into our shops when they’re shooting, and it’s a problem for us. These are gang things,” he said.

In another incident on Friday, a woman was shot in the head outside Dr Abdurahman Community Health Centre in Kewtown. She survived and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Observatory.

Shortly after, in Koodoo Street, Kewtown, a man was hit by a car and then shot in the back. He is also being treated at the same hospital.

Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa later added in a statement: “In suspected gang fights that unfolded in Athlone on Friday morning, a man was shot dead on the court premises by a gunman who fled the scene. A firearm and personal belongings were later recovered. In close proximity a man and a woman were shot and wounded in separate incidents. They were transported to medical facilities for treatment.

“Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are investigating the incidents. Police have registered a murder and two attempted murders for investigation.

“It is believed the deceased person who was shot inside the court premises was scheduled to appear in court as an accused.

“Police have since bolstered deployment in the area as the search for the gunmen continues.”