DEVASTATED: Family of gunned down Wentworth man speaks out
The family alleged that the shooting might have been a case of mistaken identity.
WHILE the police were gathering information for investigation following the shooting on Wednesday evening, January 12 a mother lost her only child the following night. Leon Cole Rose, 21, was shot dead outside his family flat on Woodville Road.
According to his family, he had stepped outside for a smoke when the brazen attack happened. They alleged that the shooting might have been a case of mistaken identity as their son was not part of any gang.
Described as a humble and friendly child, Rose’s death has left his family shaken as they ponder why their child’s life was taken so brutally.
“This all happened because of one specific family. Once they move from this area, these shootings will not carry on. We grew up here and this was a peaceful flat – there were also old people living downstairs.
“We are now grown and not once did we have to run for our lives but today our children’s lives have to be taken. We’re burying our children when they should be burying us. It is very unfair,” the family said.
The family said it felt deep devastation as this was the second death to happen on January 13. This date holds significance as it is Rose’s aunt, Sarah Oktober’s birthday, who also lost a child on the same day.
The attack was so brazen, the family said, that shooters shot at him right by the door. They also alleged that the incident happened at about 20:05 and the police arrived after midnight.
“He even tried stopping the bullet with his hands, it took most of his fingers off. We found his body lying across the stairway and his brain matter was spilled all over.
“His mother sat in that blood with her child until the police arrived. We’re really devastated and heartbroken, what hurts most is the way that the shooting happened. It tears us apart.
“We’re comforted by the Bible when it speaks about God knowing one’s time on Earth. We believe he is in a better place,” they said.
The spokesperson for the provincial police, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, said a case of murder has been opened at Wentworth SAPS for investigation.
“It is alleged that a 21-year-old victim was at his place of residence when two suspects alighted from a white vehicle and entered his flat, numerous shots were fired before they fled the scene.
“The victim was declared dead on the scene and the motive for the attack is unknown,” she said.
In a desperate attempt to shield themselves from possible future attacks, residents on 58 Woodville Road have created a WhatsApp group.
They hope to pull resources together to erect a fencing wall as a means of protection. If you would like to sponsor building material, call the group’s administrator Chantel Jasmin on 079 380 6727.
