A Delft dad has died after being struck in the head by a stray bullet while inside a house.
The heartbroken family of Quinton Arendse, 51, say they are struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of the father of three who was visiting his relatives in Hanover Park for the weekend.
On Sunday, shocked residents gathered in Phillans Walk shortly after 6pm as the news spread that another innocent life was lost despite the army being in the area on Friday.
Quinton Arendse was struck down inside house while visiting his mother in H.Park
A 43-year-old relative, who asked not to be named, says he held Quinton in his arms till the last.
“He came to Hanover Park on Saturday to his mother’s house where we had a potjie and so on. He lives in Delft and has three sons and five grandchildren,” says the relative.
“He was at my cousin’s house and they were sitting in the lounge and there was a shooting outside.
“He walked to the kitchen and a bullet came through the window and got him in the head.
“I got a frantic voice note from my cousin and ran over.”
They tried to contact Emergency Services, but Quinton died at the scene.
“He was lying in the passage and he had a pulse, but it was very weak. I was sitting by him when he died and I feel sick seeing him like that.
“They killed a very loving person. We were very close,” the emotional man says.
Hanover Park veldjie from which shots were fired. Picture: Monique Duval
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirms the case and says no arrests have been made.
Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, Ebrahiem Abrahams, says the community is angry, saying the army had done nothing to stabilise the area.
“The army came in here with a big show
of force and just days later, another innocent person is killed. We are very angry with police because it looks like they have no plan,” says Abrahams.
“The army is moving around from area to area and the gangsters
are on top of their game and they know there is no plan and just know when to start shooting.
“Because they are not staying in one area for the lockdowns, they are not bringing stabilisation. The community must unite on its own.”
Crimefighters are now calling on residents to gather at the Hanover Park Civic Centre on Saturday at 1.30pm to find a way forward.