Mitchells Plain court rocked by gang hit
HORRIFIC: Body outside Mitchells Plain Magistrate Court
Image: Leon Knipe
THE Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court staff and members of the public were left in shock after shots rang outside the building, claiming the lives of two men following their court appearance.
The court was under lockdown as staff and the public had to wait to leave the building after police secured the area.
Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Norman Jantjies said two people were killed and a bystander sustained injuries.
One of the murder victims initially survived the shooting and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, but later succumbed to his wounds, he said.
Jantjes said: "Both men are members of the Fancy Boys gang."
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said: “According to reports at about 11:15am the two victims who made a court appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court were leaving the building following their court appearance, when they stood outside the building.
“Four armed males surprised them and fired numerous gunshots."
He added that the motive for murder and attempted murder is believed to be gang-related. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
Members from the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) were pursuing all available leads at their disposal to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Mitchells Plain CPF Public Relations Officer Linda Jones said it seems that criminals are becoming more determined.
Jones said: “It seems that there is no end in sight and we just don’t know what is happening.
"We have more law enforcement, our SAPS members are discovering guns and are continuing to make arrests, but yet the crime continues.
“To shoot people in front of the court next to SAPS, it just shows how unlawful these people are and how determined they are to do what they are doing.”
"It is a sad day for a family and a mother... no one has the right to take a life.”
Anyone with information on the incident is requested to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
Cape Times