Athlone Double Murder: Suspected Gang Killings Near Cape Town Magistrates Court Under Investigation

Cape Town police are investigating the fatal shootings of two men in Athlone, believed to be linked to gang activity.

A 32-year-old man was shot dead while sitting in his car just 50 metres from the Athlone Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Shortly afterwards, a 31-year-old man was killed roughly 300 metres away in the Kewtown area.

Police Investigate Suspected Gang-Related Murders in Athlone

Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk confirmed that separate murder cases have been registered following the shootings.

“Athlone police have registered two separate cases of murder following two shooting incidents. The suspect or suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction. The motive for these attacks forms part of our police investigations,” he said.

The incidents have drawn concern from the Athlone Community Policing Forum (CPF), which condemned the recent violence outside the magistrates court. In September, a man was also shot and killed while entering the court building.

Calls for Increased Security and Community Engagement

Vernon Piedt, chairperson of the Athlone CPF, emphasised the need for stronger security measures and closer collaboration between the community, courts, and police.

“I think we have to have more interaction with the community so that they can give us more information on who is who. But also, a greater interaction more with courts and the police to make sure things like this do not happen anymore,” Piedt said.

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Authorities continue to investigate the shootings as part of ongoing efforts to combat gang violence in the area.

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