Man Shot Near Courthouse
AN ALLEGED skollie from Manenberg was shot and killed while exiting Athone Magistrates Court on Monday.
A close associate of the accused gang member Irefaan Johnson, aged 43, expressed their trauma after witnessing four men approach him and fire shots in broad daylight.
The friend, 50, who requested anonymity for safety, believes that Johnson was targeted by rival gang members.
He shared with the Daily Voice: “Faan was in court for his son who is facing a murder charge.
“He had just left the court when four individuals ran up to him. One of them was armed and unleashed a volley of gunfire.
“He is associated with the Americans gang, and we suspect it was rivals because Faan has control over the area near Gonubie Street, but we are still uncertain.
“They shot him between six to ten times, and he fell instantly, dying right there. Everyone is in disbelief that such a thing happened.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the event, stating: “Athlone SAPS detectives were present at Lower Klipfontein Road, searching for evidence related to the fatal shooting of a 43-year-old male.”
“Preliminary reports indicate that the victim was seated on the pavement at the specified location, directly across from Athlone Magistrates Court. An unidentified male approached him and fired numerous shots. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.”
Van Wyk noted that a murder case has been opened, stating: “The motive behind this incident is part of an ongoing police investigation. The assailant fled the scene and has not yet been apprehended.”
The friend described the emotional scene as Faan’s distraught children rushed to the area to bid farewell to their father.
The insider remarked: “The situation was heartbreaking. I could see gunshot wounds on his chest, but I’m unsure if he was shot in the head.
“I brought his two sons from Manenberg to the scene where they were sobbing and attempting to reach their father’s body but were prevented by police and placed in custody for stepping onto the crime scene.
“We were informed that his son, who was in court, learned what had transpired outside and was in a state of hysteria.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.