Bonteheuwel
residents were caught in the crossfire between rival gangs during a shootout in
Vlamboom Street on Tuesday.
A
local councillor has come forward to recall how he and residents resorted to
leopard crawling as bullets flew over their heads.
Ward
councillor Angus Mckenzie says he was called to the area by concerned residents
who were worried about the ongoing gang violence. He arrived just before 19:00
and says the body of a man could be seen in the street, as well as police
vehicles.
Mckenzie
says a crowd had gathered, but the shooting continued and gangsters started
hurtling stones.
“The
guys started shooting and I leopard crawled to find a safe place. A woman saw
me and opened her gate so I could enter her home. You could feel the tension
and I could hear bullets whistle past me. This morning many residents have
reported bullet holes in their homes,” he says.
Mckenzie
says the Metro Police gangs unit was called in to assist police.
Bishop
Lavis police spokesperson, Captain Marie Louw, says a 25-year-old man was shot
in Vlamboom Street amid violence between the Hard Livings and Red Devils gangs.
She says while attending to the crime scene, the gangs started hurtling stones
and opened fire, with many caught in the crossfire.
“We
are calling on all residents to stay away from crime scenes and stay indoors
when there are shootings. They make the situation very difficult to diffuse as
the police also now have to ensure that the large crowds of people are
safe,” Louw says.
“The
incident is linked to ongoing gang shootings in Bonteheuwel and police are
investigating a case of attempted murder,” she says.
Metro
Police chief, Wayne le Roux, says their gangs unit will assist as the need
arises.
