An interfaith service aimed at praying for peace in Bonteheuwel was rudely interrupted by skollies who argued and threatened each other on Sunday afternoon.
Residents who gathered in Vlamboom Square on Sunday got a skrik when their prayers were disrupted by rival gangsters who saw it as an opportunity to confront each other.
Ward councillor Angus McKenzie says two large groups of men gathered on either side of the prayer circle, but determined residents started praying louder.
“We were in the circle when two large groups from the S-block and T-block started gathering,” says McKenzie.
“We all watched and two leaders from either side just walked into the circle to confront each other.
“They started shouting between each other and all we could hear was ‘jou ma se ****’ and ‘julle gaan wys raak’. But the people started praying and singing louder to calm them down.”
He says gunshots were heard and confusion ensued as residents thought the skollies had opened fire on each other but were mistaken.
“The shots were so clear and we later heard that a man was killed a couple of streets away, but the gangs came closer and the police were called to the scene.
“It was very tense, but the residents stood strong.”
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms the shooting and says a 25-year-old man was killed.
“Circumstances surrounding a shooting incident at 3.50pm in Hardepeer Street, Bonteheuwel, where a 25-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded are under investigation. A murder case was registered for investigation. No arrests have been made,” he says.