Gun violence claims two lives in Beacon Valley
A Beacon Valley man was due in Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Tuesday August 3, for being in possession of a firearm without a licence.
He was arrested after Mitchell's Plain police’s crime prevention unit patrol received a complaint of a man walking with a firearm in Biljaart Street, Beacon Valley, on Sunday August 1 at 4.19pm.
The man, 26, ran when he saw police approach him.
They gave chase, searched him and confiscated a Luger 9mm firearm, with serial number 9204262 and a magazine with seven 9mm rounds.
Mitchell’s Plain police station spokesman, Captain Ian Williams, said the man faced charges of being in possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
In other crimes in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain police need information about two fatal shootings on Sunday August 1.
In the first shooting, a man, 36, died in hospital after he was shot in the head in Rolbal Street at 5.20pm.
Captain Williams said the shooting was gang-related and they were investigating a case of murder. No arrests have been made yet.
In the other shooting, in AZ Berman Drive, at 7.30pm, a 35-year-old man was shot in the chest and head.
He was walking with a friend when a white Toyota Avanza stopped next to them; a man got out and opened fire.
Police confiscated five spent cartridges and suspect that the shooting was gang-related.
Captain Williams said no one has been apprehended for this shooting yet.
Those who have information about these shootings are asked to call investigating officer, Detective-Constable Bevan Kapman, from Mitchell’s Plain SAPS’ Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, on 082 469 3012.
Mitchell’s Plain police station commander, Brigadier Cass Goolam, said the police will work tirelessly to clamp down on crime in the area.
He commended members for their hard work and dedication and thanked the community for their support in reporting crime.
Residents can report crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop toll-free line on 086 001 0111.