Altercation leaves one dead in Fernwood

A 31-year-old man was shot and killed in Fernwood following an allegedly heated argument with an unknown woman on Saturday night.

According to witnesses on the scene, the couple were heard arguing loudly on Asplenium Street, apparently following a night of drinking at a local bar.

Shortly thereafter, two shots were reportedly fired, one hitting the man in the stomach, wounding him fatally.

According to a statement made by police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela, the deceased and his female companion were drinking at a bar in Fernwood, when an argument broke out with the suspect, another male patron.

Witnesses on the scene said while the couple were arguing, the suspect approached them and fired two shots.

An off-duty police officer, who lives close to where the shooting took place, said he heard the argument in the street just outside his home.

“I went to the window and observed the argument,” he explained. “I returned to bed, and heard the shots shortly thereafter.”

The police officer then took his firearm, and went outside to investigate.

“I found the deceased man lying in the road. The female victim also had an injury to her foot, but it was unclear whether she was also shot,” he said.

Following information from witnesses on the scene, who informed police that a man had run down the road, he immediately gave chase.

“I caught him, and had to use a considerable amount of force to bring the suspect under control,” said the officer. “Once I had subdued him and removed the firearm from his possession, he admitted he had made a mistake. It was clear that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol.”

According to the officer, the second bullet from the .38 Special revolver was found in Panorama Drive, the neighbouring street. The firearm was licensed to the suspect.

The case is currently under investigation by the police, and the suspect will appear in court soon.