The motive for the shooting is unclear, but it is believed to be gang-related.
Tensions are high at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court after one person was killed and two others injured in separate incidents.
The man was gunned down while entering the court on Friday morning.
Police were on scene and cordoned off the area as people believed to be the man’s relatives broke down in tears. Nobody is being allowed into the court until the scene is cleared.
Shooting
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are investigating the incident.
“In suspected gang fights that unfolded in Athlone on Friday morning, a man was shot dead on the court premises by a gunman who fled the scene.”
Potelwa said they have registered a murder and two attempted murders for investigation.
Separate incident
She said a firearm and personal belongings were later recovered.
“In close proximity, a man and a woman were shot and wounded in separate incidents. They were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
“It is believed the deceased person who was shot inside the court premises was scheduled to appear in court as an accused. Police have since bolstered deployment in the area as the search for the gunmen continues,” Potelwa said.
Court shootings
This is not the first shooting outside a court of law.
Last month, a 24-year-old man was shot dead and another was injured outside the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town.
Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the motive was believed to be gang-related.
“The two men had appeared in court, and as they left the building at around 11.15am, they came under fire.
“Four armed males surprised them and fired numerous gunshots. One man did not survive the onslaught on his life, while another was admitted to a nearby hospital with serious gunshot wounds,” said Swartbooi.
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Taxi shooting
On Thursday, a 42-year-old off-duty police officer was shot and killed on Mgidlana Street in Asanda Village, Lwandle, near Strand.
It is understood that the officer, a taxi owner affiliated with the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), was fatally shot by unknown gunmen.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the suspects are still at large.
“The deceased was driving down the street when unknown gunmen opened fire, fatally shooting him in the upper body. He lost control of his vehicle, which came to a halt against a residential fence.”
Manhunt
Pojie said the motive is believed to be taxi-related.
“The suspects have yet to be arrested. We urge anyone with information to contact Captain Lukhanyo Magadla of the Provincial Detectives Serious and Violent Crime on 082 411 3245, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.”
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