It was a weekend of bloodshed in Bonteheuwel with a 17-year-old boy and a 36-year-old woman shot and killed in separate incidents.
According to a relative, who did not want to be named, Rahul Cookson, 17, was gunned down on Friday just after he and his two cousins got into an e-hailing car in Karee Road, while on their way to a night out.
His cousins, Mustaqeem Samuels, 20, and Cayleb Morgan, 22, were also shot and have been hospitalised.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said medics had declared the 17-year-old dead at the scene.
“The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is still under investigation.”
Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum chairman Graham Lindhorst said the shooting appeared to be a case of mistaken identity.
“Unfortunately, the motive looks like it was gang-related, but the three youngsters were not the intended targets.”
He said most of the crime in the Bishop Lavis police precinct happened in Bonteheuwel, which was “in a state of havoc”.
“In order to make an effective change, one needs to look at the social and moral fibre of the community. Unless this is being dealt with, we will only be dealing superficially with the problem. As long as there is drug abuse, drug merchants, poverty and unemployment and no alternatives for youths, gang violence will persist. We need to bring in facilities and other resources. More police officers on the ground is not even effective to eradicate gang violence.”
On Sunday, a 36-year-old woman was shot and killed in Firethorn Street. A 49-year-old man was arrested.
Warrant Officer Swartbooi said the motive was still being investigated but it was believed to be domestic violence.
Speaking to the Athlone News on Monday, ward councillor Angus Mckenzie, said he would lead a protest outside the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday calling for the suspect to be denied bail.
“This murder has broken us but strengthened our fight against crime, especially crime against women and children. With specific focus around Women’s Month, this further highlights the long road ahead against gender-based violence and how much more as a community we must still collectively do. Our thoughts and prayers accompany everyone at this very difficult time,” he said.
Anyone with information on the killings can call Bishop Lavis SAPS at 021 935 9803 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.