Community fears rise in Ravensmead after 'targeted hit'

A Ravensmead man was shot dead in what is believed to be a targeted hit, leaving the community fearing for their lives. 

According to Cape Argus sister publication Daily Voice sources, the deceased and another man were sitting outside on the pavement at a property on 35th Avenue and Pan Crescent in Eureka Estate when gunmen opened fire from a passing bakkie.

Community leaders Steve Ross and Claudine Coleridge were on the scene after receiving reports of the incident.

Ross said that the current rivalry between factions in the gangs in Eureka Estate and neighbouring Clarke Estate has left many bloodstained streets and broken homes as bodies pile up.

He explained: “The two men who were shot on Monday, one fatally, were targeted and the gunmen intended to kill both of them.

“The sad reality is that though it’s common to hear gunshots ringing through the day and night, it hasn’t brought additional police manpower to be stationed in the area.

“After each killing of a rival gang member, revenge attacks flare up, causing the community to live in constant fear, as innocent people are often maimed or killed in the crossfire.”

Ross said expecting residents to identify shooters is effectively asking them to put their own lives at risk, as gang violence has created a climate of fear in communities. 

Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed the shooting and said that the motive for the shooting incident is a subject of police investigation.

Gwala said: “Ravensmead police registered a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting that occurred at Pan Crescent, Eureka Estate at around 4pm on Monday January 26.

“According to reports, the victim and the deceased were sitting outside the victim's home on a pavement, when an unknown vehicle stopped and opened fire.”

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