Man shot dead outside Athlone Magistrate’s Court. Image: MDN News.
(The Post News)- A man was shot and killed outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town this morning.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the incident, stating that the victim was declared dead at the scene. At this stage, they are still gathering details surrounding the shooting, and their forensic teams are on-site.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, one man, who was due in court as an accused, was shot dead while entering the court on Friday, 05 September. “Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are investigating the incidents,” Potelwa said.
Local residents expressed concern over the ongoing violence in the area, with some pointing to an increase in criminal activity over the months. “It’s shocking to see something like this happen so close to the court. You think this is a place of justice, but now it’s become a crime scene,” stated Mbali Masango, a local resident.
In a separate case, not far from the court, a man and a woman got shot and injured. Reports indicate that they had gun wounds and they were taken to the hospital. “In close proximity, a man and a woman were shot and wounded in separate incidents. They were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
Police in Athlone are investigating three separate shooting incidents. While the exact motive behind the shootings remains unclear, SAPS suggests a possible link to gang activity, though they have not officially confirmed this.
Potelwa said they have registered a murder and two attempted murders for investigation. Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are actively probing all three incidents.
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