Athlone shooting stuns crime fighters as cop is wounded in Nyanga shootout

In a shocking escalation of violence, a key witness in a murder case was shot dead in a suspected gang-related attack in Athlone on Wednesday night, raising alarm among local crime fighters and residents alike.

The incident unfolded in a hail of bullets at the busy intersection of Belgravia Road and Voel Street, where the victim was gunned down in front of horrified onlookers. A bystander was also caught in the crossfire, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.

Sources close to the investigation said: “Eleven cartridges were found on the scene. The deceased is a witness in a murder matter at Athlone SAPS. The investigation continues. The lady who was with him was a bystander and they only shot her once in the legs.”

Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said Athlone police registered a murder case following the first shooting incident on Wednesday night.

Mpendukana explained: “The members received an alert about the incident at 10.10pm on Wednesday, February 4. Upon their arrival at the crime scene, they found one male who was shot several times and declared dead on the scene.

“They also found a female shot in the leg; she was rushed to the nearest hospital.

“The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently under investigation, and no arrest has been made yet.”

Meanwhile, in Nyanga, three thugs allegedly belonging to a protection fee gang were gunned down and a police officer was reportedly wounded on Wednesday night during a shootout between police and criminals in Nyanga.

The incident took place on the corner of Zwelitsha Drive and Fourth Avenue, where it is alleged that the protection fee gang was in the act of robbing a spaza shop. 

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said that the matter is under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed the shooting, stating: “A shooting incident allegedly occurred at the corner of Zwelitsha Drive and Fourth Avenue in Nyanga, Cape Town, on Wednesday.

“It is alleged that three suspects were shot and killed during a shootout involving police officers. It is alleged that the deceased were linked to a protection fee gang. The suspects allegedly shot at the police who then returned fire.”

When asked if Shuping could confirm whether an officer was shot and injured, he responded by saying: “Apparently, one officer was injured.”

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