A Manenberg skollie, who was wounded in a shootout with cops, had his R3500 takkies removed for fear they would be stolen in hospital.
According to a police source, the dramatic shootout played out in Ruimte Road where officers responded to a clash between the Americans and Hard Livings gangs on Saturday morning.
Cop sources say the 24-year-old gangster had been released from prison a few months ago, and now he’s back behind bars.
“The Americans and HLs are fighting in Manenberg and this guy is an American who was in the mang. He just came out on parole for an armed robbery case.
“The HLs went to shoot on the Ame ricans and this guy and two other shooters went to retaliate.
“They were shooting through a gangetjie, but didn’t see the police arriving and when they did, they started running.”
The source says as cops chased after the trio, the suspect turned around and opened fire on officers, who returned fire, hitting him in the arm.
“The other two escaped, but he was shot in the arm and his whole bone was shattered.
“He threw the gun away, but the officers retrieved the firearm which was found to be a Z88 and he collapsed in Irvine Street.
“While waiting there, his mother arrived and said she wanted his new Jordan takkies because she paid R3500 for it and was scared they were going to rob him in hospital.”
Manenberg Police Station commander, Brigadier Sanele Zama, confirms the incident and says no officers were injured in the shooting but a vehicle was damaged.
Zama confirms that a Z88 pistol, which is police issue, was recovered.
“He was taken to hospital and will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“He also faces charges of possession of a prohibited firearm because the serial number was filed off so at this stage we cannot say where it comes from.”
Zama says in recent months cops have had their hands full with a raging gang war between the Americans and HLs.
“The Americans have taken over an entire block which originally belonged to the HLs and the HLs are now hitting back,” he says.
“There are also leadership issues in the HLs as after the death of [Rashied] Staggie there is no clarity on who has taken over.”
He says many HLs have joined the Americans, which has added to the tension.