Salt River on edge: Police probe second gang shooting incident

Woodstock police are investigating the attempted murder of a 16-year-old male who was shot multiple times on the corner of Cecil Road and Dryden Street, Salt River last Thursday, June 12.

Provincial police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk said the shooting took place after 8pm. “According to reports, the 16-year-old victim and his five friends were sitting at a fire at the aforementioned address when an unidentified male approached them,” he said.

Captain van Wyk said that the shooter went directly to the victim and shot him several times in the legs. “The suspect fled the scene down Dryden Street. The victim was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment,” he said.

Captain van Wyk said that the motive is believed to be gang related and that investigations continue. There are no arrests yet.

Ward 57 Councillor Yusuf Mohamed said when he was alerted to the incident, he gathered as much information that was available to possibly identify the make and description of the vehicle used in the shooting.

“This information was immediately handed to Metro Police’s CCTV control room to try to identify and track the vehicle through our ward CCTV network,” he said.

Mr Mohamed said unfortunately the information on the type of vehicle used was vague and unfortunately CCTV could not ascertain the perpetrators in this instance. “I'm deeply concerned about the shooting and hope that we can expedite the investigation to bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

Nearby residents were shocked by the shooting. The Tatler was on the scene on Friday, June 13, and spoke to a resident living near Dryden Street, who wished to remain anonymous, fearing reprisals. “I could hear six shots and then shared the information immediately with the community Whatsapp group who contacted the police and ambulance,” she said. She said the shooting is a big concern as there are many children that go to the nearby shops in the area that could be in danger.

The Tatler spoke to another resident, who said he is the father of the victim and also did not want to be named. “I am really shocked and saddened by what happened,” he said. He said his son was taken to Groote Schuur.

This is the second shooting that took place in Salt River within the past two weeks that Woodstock police are investigating, where they believe the motive is gang-related.

On Saturday May 31, after midnight, a man was fatally shot multiple times in Lower Main Road, Observatory then succumbed to his gunshot wounds in London Road, Salt River.(“Gang-related murder investigation underway in Salt River,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, June 3)

Mr Mohamed said that anyone who has information about the shooting can contact the City’s crime tip-off number at  0800 11 0077. “The City will gladly pay up to R20 000 for information leading to an arrest or confiscation of an illegal firearm,” he said.

Captain van Wyk said anyone with information can also contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.