An off-duty law enforcement officer in Cape Town was killed in a gang battle.
Toufeeq Williams, 37, was shot and died on Sunday in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain.
Reagen Allen, MEC for Provincial Police Oversight and Community Safety, stated that Williams was carrying a baby when he was hit by a stray bullet fired by rival gangs. Williams was assigned to the Hanover Park Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) unit of the city.
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Allen described the murder as “outrageous.”
“It is alleged officer Williams, who was carrying a baby at the time of this incident, was fatally shot on the corner of Hengelaar Street,” he said.
“We have subsequently been advised that there is a gang war occurring between the 28s numbers gang and the Mongrels, who are allegedly seeking to claim the territory for their illicit activity.”
Allen warned the gangs they had “not only declared war on LEAP, but on the state in its entirety.
“Every ounce of law enforcement, the South African Police Service and all intelligence will be unleashed on them. We are coming for the individuals who committed this heinous crime, for both gangs, anything and anyone associated with them, their assets and everything they think will assist in continuing with their illegal activities.
“I want the ones who made the firearms available to them to also directly be charged with murder. In fact, all of them should be hit with the entire Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
“They should know that their time of roaming around and resting easy is completely over. Any person, whether in uniform or a civilian that assists in the protection of these gangs, can expect the same treatment.”He promised Williams’ family that no stone would be left unturned in apprehending the perpetrators.
“To the LEAP family, I say, let this serve as our encouragement to drive criminals and their criminal activity out of our communities,” he said.
“I want to assure officer Williams’ family that his death will not be in vain. We will not leave any stone unturned. Arrests and lengthy jail sentences must follow.
“The community of Mitchells Plain and all other areas plagued by these types of incidents should know that we will not rest until we combat murders and crime throughout the province.”
The city is offering a R100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest or conviction of the shooters.
