Suspects open fire in Kensington

Intentions to have a quiet Sunday afternoon backfired after Ak47 and R5 rifle wielding criminals opened fire on a vehicle in Kensington.

Constable Mpho Mashakane, the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, said several suspects, an unknown number at this stage, blocked and opened fire on five people in a vehicle close to the Orwell Street and Langermann Drive intersection on Sunday last week.

“The complainant alleged he left his shop and was driving in Jeppe Street when he was approached by occupants of a silver grey Toyota Verso. The driver blocked the complainant’s vehicle but he managed to get away. However, when he approached the corner of Orwell Street and Langermann Drive the driver of a white BMW blocked him again. The suspects shot at him and the car.

“He and the occupants of his vehicle exited the car and ran for safety.

“The suspects took a handbag containing cash and cellular phones and fled the scene,” said Const Mashakane.

Mr Roderick Marnce, a Kensington resident, witnessed the incident.

I was at Rhodes Park with my wife and children. We were leaving the park through the Langermann Drive exit. I saw a vehicle ram into another. I thought it was an accident but then I heard gunshots,” said Mr Marnce.

He said he saw two suspects exit the BMW with AK47s.

“I looked at my children and wife. I was shocked and worried about our safety,” he said.

He said the incident happened so quick.

“It was organised. When the suspects fled the people came back. I went to speak to them. I thought someone was shot and injured but thankfully not. This happened in broad daylight. I thought it was a Sunday and it would be great to go to the park. Then the guns came out and a shooting ensued,” he said.

This is the second shooting that has taken place in Kensington in recent months.

In November last year the EXPRESS reported that a man was chased down by suspects and killed in Roberts Avenue.

Mr Zhao Pin was shot while driving. He lost control of his vehicle, crashed into a fence and hit a tree.

Mr Marnce said he is tired of crime. “I am considering leaving Kensington. A few weeks ago I returned home and found one of my dogs bleeding. Criminals had tried to break into my property. My dog was hit with a panga or something like it. I love Kensington but the crime is scary. However, crime is bad all over. Every time the dogs bark I am weary. If I go away and the alarm goes off I wonder if everything is fine,” said Mr Marnce.

Speaking about the shooting in Langermann Drive, Const Mashakane said a case of armed robbery and malicious damage to property was opened. At the time of going to print, no arrests had been made.

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