Police are investigating after two men were found shot dead in Bonteheuwel last week.
Officers found the bodies on the corner of Juniper Street and Jakkalsvlei Avenue, at around 3.52am, on Thursday September 21, following a tip-off, said provincial police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.
“Bishop Lavis police are investigating two counts of murder. The victims were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects who fled the scene are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is unknown. The victims’ ages are still unknown.”
Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum chairman Graham Lindhorst said he did not know whether the deaths were gang-related, but there had been a lot of shooting in the area in recent weeks and the community had called for more police visibility.
“People are tired of living in fear. Parents are scared to allow their children to play outside because you never know when shooting will occur and hit a child. Our murder rate has been increasing over the last three months.
“The fight is over many things including prisoners released from jail who want to be dominant in their areas again after coming in and someone else has taken over. There is also infighting with regards to leadership in gangs.”
Bonteheuwel resident Lyna Benjamin said there had been a shooting in her road two weeks ago while it had still been full of people. Residents feared leaving their homes, she said.
“It’s been very hectic here. The mornings are hectic, every day there is a shooting, especially as you come from the robots in Kalksteenfontein. It’s random shooting. Bramble Way side has also been hectic. People complain about it, but won’t go forward. The merchants are all over. It’s as if it’s daylight when it’s night time. Before we leave, we look up and down the road. You never know who is watching. The police have been quite visible in the area.”
Another resident, Doug Fick, said the police should change tactics to battle gangsterism, be more proactive and patrol more at night.
Residents feared being shot if they spoke out, he said.
“I don’t see police patrolling at night. They are visible during the day. After 9pm, there are no police vans. That is our biggest problem. These shootings are all planned. People can see when a shooting is about to happen and they turn around and go back inside.”
Anyone with information can call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
