CAPE Flats cops are investigating the murder of a man believed to have been shot dead by his own son.
Mense in Vyigeskraal, Athlone, were rocked in the early hours yesterday morning after a 51-year-old resident was shot dead in his yard.
Community members said that the skote have become out of hand recently and that they are trying their best to combat the gang violence, but it affects mense while on their way to or from school, church or work.
According to a Daily Voice source, the man was gunned down while throwing out water by his eie klong, who apparently mistook his dad for one of his alleged gang rivals.
Neighbours say the son, who is allegedly involved in gang-related activities, grew up in the area, and lives in the nearby informal settlement.
They say the gang violence is spilling over into their area.
According to mense in the area, the son has previously faced murder charges.
The bystander explains: “I think it was his own son who shot him en die mense is baie bang om te praat.
“The son thought he was an enemy, because he is a gangster. Die ding ruk in die informal settlements.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirms: “In Violet Crescent, Vygieskraal, at about 7am, a 51-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded.
“Police members were called to the crime scene where they found the victim with gunshot wounds to his body.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for this shooting incident is believed to be gang-related.
“The suspect/s are yet to be arrested. Athlone detectives are investigating a murder case.”
In a separate incident in nearby Pearl Street, a 38-year-old man was shot in the face at 6.30am, with residents saying jongens from the plakkerskamp are terrorising the neighbourhood.
Twigg adds: “Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his face.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related.
“The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. A murder case was registered for investigation.”
Bystanders said that this victim, whose name is known to the Daily Voice, was a chronic patient who lived in the area and was shot dead after he came out of his house to pee.
A source says: “[Hy] het grootgeword in die plek… hy was nie ’n target nie."
Anyone with any information about these incidents is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the application MySAPS anonymously.
