Three killed in Bonteheuwel drive-by shooting, including an innocent man
Emergency services on scene where three people were shot in Bonteheuwel.
Image: Leon Knipe
Three men were killed in a drive-by shooting in Bonteheuwel on Wednesday evening in what is believed to be a gang-related incident.
The shooting occurred on the corner of Kiaat Avenue and Jakkalsvlei Street about 7.30pm.
Two of the victims, aged 29 and 38, were declared dead at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds to their upper and lower bodies.
The third man, 22, sustained injuries to his body and was rushed to the nearest medical facility where he succumbed to his wounds on Thursday.
The shooting follows fears of retaliation after an alleged Americans gangster was gunned down earlier in the week.
According to Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie, at least one of the deceased was an innocent man.
McKenzie said: “This senseless act of violence comes in the wake of the warnings we issued regarding possible retaliation following [Tuesday] night’s killing.
“Let us be clear, the life lost today was not a gang member, but an innocent individual who did not deserve to become a victim of this ongoing cycle of violence.”
Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said that two murder cases and one attempted murder case were opened for investigation at Bishop Lavis SAPS.
Mpendukana reported: “The police reports state that the members were driving past when they noticed a shootout happening, they quickly reacted by chasing after the Silver Toyota Etios that had suspects who were shooting at the victims.
“After a lengthy chase they found the car abandoned in another street and the suspects had fled on foot. Upon searching the car, they found out that the car was carjacked in Athlone and inside it they found a 9mm pistol that was also stolen in Athlone.”
It is alleged that the suspects changed the number plates to avoid detection.
McKenzie added: “This critical development means that, in addition to the serious charges already faced, a hijacking case will now also be added against the suspects when they appear in court.
“This once again highlights the level of planning behind these crimes but it also highlights something more powerful that no matter the lengths criminals go to, coordinated action and community intelligence will always outmatch them.”
No arrest has yet been made, and anyone with information that might help the police with the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to report anonymously.