Bishop Lavis is in mourning following the murder of well-known crime-fighter Gregory “Kallie” Carelse.
Gregory, 56, was shot and killed on Thursday in what is believed to have been a gang hit.
According to a source, a price of R250 000 had been placed on his head by an unknown gang.
Gregory was a chief security officer at the Department of Community Safety, as well as a police reservist and crime fighter for more than 30 years.
He was shot on the corner of Barracuda Street and Kasteelberg Road in Lavis where he had been standing with an 18-year-old man.
According to witnesses, two shooters had come through the 8ste Laan informal settlement from Robert Sobukwe Road and shot the two men execution-style.
They took Gregory’s firearm and fled on foot back through the hokkies, before jumping into a bakkie and speeding off.
Gregory died on the scene.
His heartbroken wife, Rezone, 51, tells the Daily Voice her husband was passionate about creating a safe environment for his family and his community.
‘TARGET’: Gregory Carelse of Lavis was killed after R250k price tag had been placed on his head by a gang
The couple has five sons and a daughter.
“It has been a difficult few days,” Rezone said on Sunday.
“He lived to make this world, the community we lived in, a safer place.”
Rezone says she was called to the scene and mercifully found his body already covered.
“I am still in shock. People are asking me who will keep us all safe now,” says the widow.
“He used to walk with the dogs in the middle of the night and patrol the area.
“The children absolutely love him and were always looking for him.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, and yesterday Gregory’s colleagues laid a wreath at the spot where he died, while a prayer service was held by church members.
Asked if she knew about the price on Gregory’s head, a brave Rezone said: “I heard about it, but it is not the first time. Previously there was a R50 000 placed on his head.
“People are afraid to speak out against the gangs that hold us hostage, but he spoke out.
“He fought for us all and I make peace that God chose his time.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirmed the incident but says no arrests have yet been made.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.