Residents from Hanover Park are on high alert after three people were shot on Tuesday — one fatally — during separate attacks.
A 76-year-old woman was hit by a stray bullet and a 23-year-old man, believed to be a gangster, was shot about 11.40am when gangs battled in Hanover Park Avenue.
Both the woman and man were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and are in a stable condition.
In a separate incident that afternoon a 29-year-old man was killed by a stray bullet near the Full Gospel Church of God.
The victim sustained several gunshot wounds to his body and was declared dead on the scene.
As the deceased’s body lay covered, church-goers went about their service as usual.
Seven cartridges were found on the scene and the victim is believed to be innocent and not affiliated to any gang.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk says a case of murder has been opened for investigation.
“A shooting incident on Tuesday at about 5.15pm at Moray Court, Hanover Park whereby a 29-year-old male was fatally wounded by a stray bullet is under investigation,” he says.
“Police are investigating a case of murder. The suspects are unknown and fled the scene on foot.”
VOLATILE: 29-year-old man was killed by a stray bullet outside Full Gospel Church of God in Hanover Park. CREDIT: Leon Knipe
The Daily Voice spoke to a community worker, who asked not to be named because of fears for her safety, and she warned reporters to leave the area immediately as the area was volatile.
Philippi Station Commander Colonel Dennis Abels condemned the shootings and said police will maintain a zero tolerance approach to criminals.
“Several police units, including Metro Police and Law Enforcement, are currently deployed within the Hanover Park area to bring an end to the shootings,” said Abels.
“Police have a reward system whereby good money is being rewarded for positive information supplied to police about crime which results in the successful arrest and prosecution of criminals.”
Anyone with any information about the attacks is requested to contact investigation officer Detective Warrant Officer Ronald Koopman at 021 690 1517 or 073 171 6154 Crime Stop at 08600 10111.