Police bolster deployment after Athlone shootings

Police have bolstered their deployment in the Athlone area after a 30-year-old man was shot and killed outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

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.

The area was volatile after the attack, and SAPS urged communities to avoid the area while investigations continued.

A witness said she dropped to the ground inside the court when she heard gunshots outside.

A 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. 

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 hospital.

Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said: “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.”

Anyone with information on the incident is requested to call CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Cape Times