Two men killed in separate shootings near Athlone Magistrate's Court
Two men, 32 and 31, were shot dead near Athlone Court in gang-related incidents on Wednesday December 3.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
Athlone police have registered two separate murder cases following an alleged gang-related shooting in Kewtown and one outside Athlone Magistrates' Court.
On Wednesday, December 3, at 1.45pm, a man, 32, was gunned down while sitting in a car about 50 metres from the court. Just minutes later, at 1.50pm, a man, 31, was shot and killed approximately 300 metres from the court in Kewtown, said provincial police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk.
The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction, and the motive for the attacks is under investigation.
Athlone police Sergeant Zita Norman confirmed that the first victim had appeared in Athlone Magistrate's Court on a drug possession charge and was released on R2 000 bail.
As he walked to meet friends, he was shot by unknown gunmen in a gold Golf. The second victim, a visitor at the court, was shot in the face and back while running after hearing the gunfire. Sergeant Norman said the incidents were gang-related.
These shootings follow a similar attack outside Athlone Magistrate's Court in September, when a 30-year-old man was shot and killed while walking through the gate.
The suspect fired three times, hitting him twice in the back and once in the head, and the incident has been linked to the Laughing Boys gang, ("Man killed outside Athlone Magistrate’s Court; two others wounded in separate incidents "Athlone News September 5 and "Still no arrests in Athlone court shooting, say police" Athlone News September 9).
Vernon Piedt, chairperson of the Athlone Community Police Forum (CPF), said the scene was tense, and residents were visibly shaken.
People watched from behind fences as the shootings unfolded, and emotions ran high.
"Frustration between the community and police was evident, with some blaming law enforcement for slow responses, while police noted a lack of reporting from residents. A better system is needed to report perpetrators and ensure safety," he said.
Measures are also being considered to manage court appearances more safely, and collaboration between police and the community is essential, especially during high-risk periods such as the festive season.
Abie Isaacs, chairperson of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, said the forum condemns the recent shootings at Athlone Court in the strongest terms.
“This is clearly a concern to us, as this is not the first time such an incident took place outside court. We further hope that security outside courts also be looked into by the agencies. These incidents must be addressed seriously to prevent further violence and to ensure the safety of residents, court visitors, and officials,” he said.
Anyone with information about these shootings is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.