Two suspects killed in brazen shooting outside Mitchell's Plain court

The Mitchell's Plain Magistrate's Court staff and public were left in shock after gunshots rang outside the building, claiming the lives of two suspects following their court appearance on Monday.

Mitchell's Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Norman Jantjies, said both victims were dead and a bystander sustained wounds.

One of the murder victims initially survived the shooting and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, but later succumbed to his wounds.

Jantjes said: "Both men are members of the Fancy Boys gang."

Meanwhile, people inside the court said the gunshots were so loud, they thought they were being fired inside the court.

The court was under lockdown and staff had to wait to leave the building after police secured the area.

Mitchell's Plain CPF public relations officer, Linda Jones, said shooters are becoming more brazen. 

“It seems there is no end in sight and we just don’t know what is happening.

"We have more law enforcement, our SAPS members are discovering guns and are continuing to make arrests, but yet the crime continues.

“To shoot people in front of the court next to SAPS, it just shows how unlawful these people are and how determined they are to do what they are doing.”

She said talks of an expected retaliation swirled at the scene as she spoke to one of the victims’ moms.

“Even though the shooting is gang-related, no mother gives birth to a gangster. It is the choices that they [the gangsters] make.

"It is a sad day for a family and a mother, but no one has the right to take a life.”

Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed: “According to reports at about 11:15am the two victims who made a court appearance in the Mitchell's Plain Magistrate's Court were leaving the building following their court appearance, when they stood outside the building. Four armed males surprised them and fired numerous gunshots."

He added that the suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.

Members from the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) are working on pursuing all available leads at their disposal in a bid to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Any person who can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident is requested to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

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Cape Argus