Delta Park on edge after a man and his dog are shot
Eyewitness Dayle Raaff, said a few minutes after the incident, residents with a collection of valuable skills were on the scene to help.
Delta Park was rattled by a shooting incident on Saturday that left residents concerned for their safety. The incident occurred near the historic Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary, sending waves of shock through the community.
According to an eyewitness, Dayle Raaff, who was at home at the time of the incident, the victim was walking his dogs in the park when he was attacked. “I heard two gunshots,” Raaff recounted. “From my house, I have a direct view out onto the park. When I looked over into the park, I could see the victim walking towards Standard Drive and the shooter. The victim shouted at the shooter, who then fired several more shots, and I witnessed the victim fall backwards.”
Raaff’s immediate response was to alert local security groups and emergency services. “I thought if that was my husband or someone I knew, I can’t just sit in my house and hope someone gets to him.”
She rushed to aid the victim, assisting until medical help arrived. “It was about 19:00. There was a lot of blood, and sadly, one of his dogs was killed. He was conscious, we started chatting and I introduced myself. I checked if he was ok, and he said that he could feel the bullet wound in his neck and his stomach. He still had his phone, so I took it and called his dad.”
She explained the response from neighbours and the security company was swift. “Ten minutes after the shooting there were about 10 people there. Beagle Watch was there, and residents came out of their homes. A vet in my street came down with a bunch of medical supplies and was able to put him on a drip. There was such a beautiful collection of skills from the residents and all the right people were there the help. My neighbours came out with towels and helped look after his dog Daisy who survived. To have had all the right people there to do all the right things was nothing short of a miracle.”
Chris Becker, a member of the Craigpark Residents Association and the founding co-ordinator of the Friends of Delta Park, expressed his concern over the incident. “The reports are that the attack was near-fatal, but the victim is stable and recovering in ICU,” Becker stated. “Although this incident is shocking and the most serious attack in the park in recent memory, there are signs it may be isolated and an opportunistic attack.”
Becker highlighted the community’s efforts to enhance park security and maintenance, citing initiatives like repairing the sanctuary fence. He stressed the importance of resident involvement in safeguarding public spaces. “Responses among residents are varied. The majority believe residents need to step up and be more involved in our public spaces to ensure their safety and longevity.”
Raaff agreed and emphasised the need for collective action and vigilance. “We need to reclaim our home. More people need to come to the park to make that happen. We need to take ownership of the park and be hopeful that we can bring about good change.”
In response to the incident, residents gathered at Raaff’s home for a prayer session on Sunday, demonstrating unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
A response from Linden Police – regarding the circumstances of the crime – is being sought and will be published in an upcoming edition.
In light of this incident, the Linden SAPS and Community Policing Forum have reminded the community of the following safety tips:
- Always make sure it is fully lit when you enter and exit the parks.
- Make sure you have the dogs, kids and bikes loaded in the car before dark.
- Never walk, run or ride alone
- Avoid using sections of the park that are quiet and isolated, especially during cosmos season.
- Always have your dogs on lead, for everyone’s safety.
Related Article: Delta Park dam completely cover with hyacinth
