TENSIONS erupted at the Hime Street flats in Wentworth when a man opened fire, shooting in the direction of two individuals on May 6.
A teenager, 17, was shot and wounded and his friend escaped unhurt when a suspect opened fire on them. The incident happened at around 18:55.
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According to the police, the 37-year-old suspect fired at the victim’s friend, but the bullet missed and struck the victim in the left thigh instead.
According to police sources, both friends fled for cover as the gunman fired randomly.
Police spokesperson for eThekwini District Captain Carmen Rhynes said the Metro Police Street Crime Unit responded to a shooting in progress in Hime Street.
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“At the time, metro police were in the vicinity and quickly responded to the sound of gunfire. Officers witnessed the suspect holding a firearm with both hands and aiming it.
“The police immediately ordered the suspect to drop the firearm, which was then secured by police. When asked to produce a licence for the weapon, the suspect was unable to do so, admitting the firearm did not belong to him,” said Rhynes.
The suspect was arrested for attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Police recovered a firearm with the serial number removed.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital with private transport. Police sources told the SUN that more than 30 spent cartridges were found at the scene.
Police sources also told the SUN that initial investigations revealed that there is ongoing conflict between rival drug gangs at the flats.
The suspect appeared in Durban Magistrate’s Court on May 7 where his case is remanded for bail application.
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