Family members of two young men who lost their lives on 12 August at a venue in Kyalami are in great sadness and pain after a shooting took place at the events venue in the early hours of the morning.
READ THE ORIGINAL STORY HERE: Update: Two men shot after altercation in Kyalami
According to crime prevention officer at Midrand Police Station, Captain Lionel Chetty, “An argument inside the venue erupted and one suspect walked to a vehicle to retrieve a gun. He was seen walking back to the venue before shooting two young men. Although one suspect pulled the trigger, others were also involved in the incident.”
A team was put together in the early hours of the morning as an operation commenced to find the suspects. “After 36 hours of searching, we managed to catch the suspect who was later arrested at the Midrand Police Station. The other suspect was then apprehended and was in custody at the station. Both suspects who were involved in the double murder were denied bail and remanded in custody,” said Chetty.
In a message to the police, one of the family members expressed it was with great hurt and sorrow to write the letter as two of their young, bright, shining stars had been viciously snatched away from them without warning in a cowardly and faceless manner.
A member of a family said, “Although we are all angered, bitter and distraught by this ordeal, we want to take the opportunity during this difficult time to commend the Midrand police under the leadership of Chetty for the quick turnaround time in apprehending the fleeing assailants.”
The family member enthusiastically stated that they had faith despite the rumours and speculations doing their rounds that justice will be served. “We applaud every single man and woman who was involved directly and indirectly in the safe capturing of these fugitives who were at large as the turnaround time showed bravery and resilience and tremendous courage by all the men and women in blue.”
The letter further explained that in a society where respect and admiration for the police departments are quickly diminished, it was a great comfort to know that the Midrand police’s aim was to reassure the public that community safety takes precedence over bribery and corruption.
“The many hours spent we cannot replace but we want to reassure every member involved and every member who sacrificed their time and talents that it does not go unnoticed or unrecognised.
“We salute you; you have restored our confidence and pride and we honour every single one of you.”
The family member concluded that although it won’t bring their brothers, friends and family back, they know that a murder suspect is being kept away and separated from society.
“This gives us the courage to move forward, no matter how painful the journey is ahead because we know our children and our future is safe, thanks to you, our men in blue.”
The deputy chairperson of the Midrand Community Policing Forum (CPF), Taki Michalakis said that Chetty was leading a double murder investigation in the Midrand policing precinct.
“He called upon a dedicated number of security and CPF members to voluntarily put their lives on the line to support him in this investigation and they very willingly gave up their time to join the search for the suspect who shot two victims in cold blood.”
Michalakis explained that after 36 hours of searching, the team successfully managed to arrest the main suspect in the murder. “The second suspect also handed himself in at the Midrand Police Station. This was another great success story for Midrand which shows the power of collaboration and multidisciplinary team efforts. In this case, there was also strong leadership from Captain Chetty of the Midrand police,” he said.
Chetty added, “While we celebrate this success our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families for their losses.
“We hope that, for now at least, the prospect of justice being served gives them a small degree of comfort.”
