'WE ARE TIRED'

ATHLONE residents and religious leaders held a vigil in defiance of a surge of shooting incidents at the gates of the Athlone Magistrate's Court, where a man that was shot and killed on Friday. 

Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Vernon Piedt told the Daily Voice that Sunday's memorial for the victims was well attended the Vigil and Prayer for Peace on the Cape Flats. 

Rev. Steven John Bam of the Calvyn Protestant Church, Imam Rashied Omar of the Claremont Main Road Masjida and Rev. Dr. Llewellyn MacMaster, Chairperson of the Cape Crime Crisis Coalition were joined by fellow interfaith leaders

Piedt explained: “The message came out clear that we are tired of crime and that people should stand up against crime and the criminals.

“The message went out clear as the faith-based fraternity: we should have a united force to break the barriers that prevent the leaders in both the church and mosque from interacting with the community should be broken.”

A cleansing ceremony was held and members of the community moved to the front of the Athlone police station.

There they were addressed by the daughter of the woman who was shot in the head outside Dr Abduraham Community Health Centre in Kewton on Friday.

The shooting incident happened moments after a 30-year-old man was shot and killed outside the court building.

She spoke on the challenges and trauma she has to endure while her mother is receiving medical attention.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa reported: “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.”