A FAMILY in Bellville South is devastated following a tragic drive-by shooting that occurred on Saturday night, claiming the life of 27-year-old Austin Louw and injuring three others.
The incident unfolded around 9.15pm in Stilwaney Crescent, where the victims were targeted by two assailants who opened fire from a black Volkswagen Polo.
The sudden violence has left the Louw family living in fear, compounded by the memory of their father, who was also gunned down in the same road just a year prior on 16 June.
According to a family member who does not want to be named out of fear, Austin was involved in gangsterism previously but “het hom onttrek”.
The family claimed: “We just heard gunshots and saw Austin running inside the yard and falling flat. One of the gunmen came inside the yard and shot at close range.”
An eyewitness recalls the events saying: “Austin and I were standing at the krag box and talking. We saw this car drive past then Austin said: ‘this is the second time this car is driving past’.
“The car’s lights were off and it was dark so we could not see who it was.
“The car drove past then reversed and two guys got out of the car and started shooting. We started running away and they continued shooting.
“I was not wounded in the shooting but another young girl who was standing close to us was shot and wounded.”
One of the victims, who was shot in the thigh. said that he was on his way home when he heard the gunshots but could not see who was shooting.
The survivor added: “Everything happened so fast. I walked pass Austin and next minute I heard the gunshots go off, I started running and that was where I got struck with the bullet in my thigh.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Bellville South detectives are investigating murder and attempted murder cases.
He confirmed: “Bellville South police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at about 9.15pm, in Stilwaney Crescent, and upon arrival on the scene they found the body of a 27-year-old man who sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. Three other victims between 13 and 19 who also sustained gunshot wounds were taken to a medical facility for medical treatment.
“According to reports the victims were walking in the road when a black Volkswagen Polo came from behind and the occupants started shooting at the victims.
“The circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made.”
Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this shooting incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.