Cape Town - A man believed to be a member of the American’s gang died in a hail of bullets while leaving the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
A close friend of the victim, Irefaan Johnson, 43, said he was left traumatised after a gunman opened fire in broad daylight.
The 50-year-old friend, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, believed Johnson was gunned down by rival gang members.
“He just walked out of the court when four guys ran up to him,” he explained.
“He is an American and we think it's one of the rivals because Faan controls the area near Gonubie Street, but we are not sure yet.
“They shot him between six to 10 times and he collapsed on the spot and died. Everyone is shocked that they did it like that.”
Police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed the incident. “Athlone SAPS detectives were on the scene at Lower Klipfontein Road, combing the area for clues, where a 43-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded,” he said.
“According to preliminary reports the deceased was sitting on the pavement, opposite the Athlone Magistrates Court when an unidentified male walked up to him and fired several gunshots at him.
“He died on the scene due to injuries sustained.”
Van Wyk said police registered a murder case for investigation and was probing the motive and that the suspect fled the scene.
The friend said when Faan’s children arrived at the scene, they were overcome with tears and tried to say goodbye to their father.
The insider says: “It was a heartbreaking scene. I could see shots in his chest but I don't know if they shot him in the head.
“I brought his two sons from Manenberg to the scene where they were crying and trying to get to their father’s body but were stopped by police.
“We were informed that his son who was appearing in court was told what happened outside the court and was crying hysterically.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.