VAL-HELL-A PARK: Gang turf war claims two lives amid multiple shootings

VALHALLA Park is under siege as residents and law enforcement came under fire amid a deadly gang turf war. 

On Wednesday, cops reported the death of two men in two separate incidents, while a woman was hit by a stray bullet.

According to police, officers were speeding from one scene to the next as gunshot victims were shot in multiple locations.

A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot in the back around 3.45pm in 8th Avenue.  

While police were attending to the scene, they were informed of another shooting where a 56-year-old woman was hit in the arm by a stray bullet. 

As cops were busy on that scene, a 20-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed in Hilda Crescent.

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that the motive for the shootings is believed to be gang-related.

He answered the Daily Voice’s queries, saying: “On Wednesday at about 3.45 members attended to a shooting incident in 8th Avenue, Valhalla Park, where a 16-year-old boy was shot and sustained two gunshot wounds to his back. He was declared deceased on the scene. 

“While standing on the scene members were informed of a 56 year old woman who was hit in her arm by a stray bullet. 

“She was transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care. Bishop Lavis SAPS opened a murder and an attempted murder case for further investigation.”

“On the same day while busy with this scene members were called to Hilda Crescent where they found a 20-year-old male lying in the middle of the street with multiple gunshot wounds to his body.” “He was declared deceased on the scene. A murder case was opened for further investigation. Both incidents are believed to be gang-related. The suspect/s in both incidents are yet to be arrested.”

Graham Lindhorst Chairperson for the Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum said that the shootings are linked to a turf war in the area.

He said: “The Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum (BLCPF) can confirm multiple shootings in Valhalla Park [on Wednesday]. 

“All indications are that there is a turf war presently in that area. Information received is also that the secondary shooting in Hilda Crescent was revenge on the 8th Avenue fatal shooting

“We can further confirm that Law Enforcement Officers came under attack in 8th Avenue yesterday while attending to the crime scene. 

“We can further confirm no LEO were injured. We condemn in the strongest terms these attacks on Law Enforcement Officers and call on the community to come forward with any information that can bring those responsible to book. 

“We call on SAPS to do whatever it takes to stabilise the area as shootings is a daily occurrence not only in Valhalla Park but in the precinct.”