Teen wounded in gang shooting

A 16-year-old boy is in hospital with a gunshot wound to his head after being caught in a gang-related drive-by shooting in Bonteheuwel that claimed the life of a well-known gangster on Saturday, say police.

Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said Lyle Henkerman was shot in Citrus Street, at around 10pm, on Saturday, while buying a pie at a spaza shop.

Lyle had been standing next to a known gangster, who had most likely been the target of the shooting, he said.

Bishop Lavis police spokeswoman Sergeant Samantha Adonis said the 24-year-old man had died at the scene from gunshot wounds to the head.

“Police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder. No suspects arrested at this stage,” she said.

The Bonteheuwel High School pupil is in a stable condition at Groote Schuur Hospital after undergoing an operation on Sunday, said Mr McKenzie. He said the teen had no gang affiliation, according to his family.

“His mother and family are concerned, and they hope that he will pull through.”

Speaking to the Athlone News on Sunday, Lyle’s mother, Michelle Henkerman, said: “We have nothing to say right now. Lyle almost died twice last night. I trust that God will pull him through.”

Frequent shootings plagued the area, Mr McKenzie said, adding that SAPS and City Law Enforcement were following up tip-offs to locate drug dens and weapons and identify shooters.

“Since last month, we’ve increased visibility in the area hence gangsters are looking elsewhere to sell their drugs, often in another gang’s turf. We will get to the bottom of this. This is an unintended consequence of what we are trying to do. We have had a heavy-handed approach lately on crime in the area. Most of the shooting occurs at night.”

Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum chairman Graham Lindhorst said more police resources were needed to combat an ongoing conflict over drugs, turf and gang leadership

“We need more resources because more resources mean more visibility. Each area has it’s own dynamics. Drive-by shootings occur during the day and night. The gangs check police visibility. They study the shifts and when there’s a gap, they take it.”

Community of Bonteheuwel Association chairman Abie Clayton, said the shootings flared up when gangsters were released from prison, and, all too often, innocent people were the ones who paid the price.

“The innocent ones standing close to the target are shot either because the shooters believe they are affiliated to the target or they shoot them because they are witness to the shooting and can speak out.

“Parents need to stop sending their children to the shops so late at night and make sure that they are indoors.”