What happened during the gang shooting at a bakery in Lansdowne?
Emergency services attend to the victim of the gang shooting inside the busy Athlone bakery.
Image: Supplied
In a shocking incident on Tuesday afternoon, an alleged gang hit unfolded inside a bustling bakery in Athlone, sending patrons scrambling for safety.
According to an eyewitness, the victim - who was shot three times, but survived the attack, was inside the shop when three men followed him into the bakery and opened fire, creating chaos in the crowded establishment.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said he was in the shop with his two young daughters when the attack took place.
The man, who is observing Ramadan, said: “I was on my way home with my daughters and stopped to buy bread for the house to break our fast.
“We were standing in the queue with the rest of the customers. We didn’t even notice the victim come in.
“But then three other guys just barged into the shop and started shooting at him. I grabbed my girls to protect them and then made our way out. Luckily no one else got injured.
“We are on the border of Hanover Park and this is likely from the gang violence there spilling over here.”
Authorities investigate the scene of the shooting, as witnesses recount the terrifying moments that unfolded.
Image: Supplied
Another eyewitness said the thugs fled on foot before authorities arrived on the scene.
She added: “They ran down towards Dolomite Avenue.”
An attempted murder case was registered at the Lansdowne police station after a man, believed to be a gangster, was allegedly shot inside a bakery.
Captain FC van Wyk said on Tuesday, February 24 at 4.50pm, the man, 36, was walking on Belmore Road, Penlyn Estate, when he saw three men following him.
He decided to go into a nearby shop, and one of the men followed him into the shop, took out a firearm, and shot him three times. He sustained gun wounds to his left arm and right upper leg.
Van Wyk explained: “The suspect fled the scene. The victim was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.”
Lansdowne police registered an attempted murder case for investigation. The motive behind the shooting is believed to be gang-related.
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