Passer-by shot in Wentworth drive-by shooting

THE community of Wentworth has suffered another violent blow, after a young woman, Heidi von Schaffer, was involved in a drive-by shooting in Lansdowne Road, Wentworth, while on her way back home.

The ill-fated incident happened on Monday evening, 3 February and Heidi is said to be in a coma at King Edward VIII Hospital  after surviving a gunshot to the head.

Wentworth councillor, Aubrey Snyman said that it is widely suspected by the community that the shooters were searching for someone involved in the local drug ring. “The exchange of shootings started on Sunday and the community is very angry and upset. Heidi was an innocent passer-by who got hit in the cross-fire,” said Snyman.

Wentworth police confirmed the incident and that no arrests have been made at this point. “We’ve been having endless problems regarding the shootings and it’s all because of the drugs. If there weren’t any drugs riddling our community, then the shootings would stop. The people that are busy dealing in drugs  are not even from Wentworth. They are outsiders who are coming into our community. It is affecting us because we’ve got children and grandchildren and many loved ones who are in danger at any given moment. We need to remove the people who are killing us and killing our community, only then will there be hope for Wentworth,” said a concerned Lansdowne Road resident, Lynn Small.

This tragedy prompted a community meeting chaired by Snyman together with Wentworth Police on Tuesday, 4 February to discuss a way forward in dealing with the crime and violence that continues to threaten the lives of innocent members of the community. Residents demanded that a shelter that was illegally erected by drug peddlers on Lansdowne Road be dismantled. Residents were concerned as they claimed that the structure was being used as a drug den.

There was an unanimous call for action by community members, police, Snyman and Wentworth CPF chairman, Pastor Donovan Anderson, to tear down a shelter which was initially built for social and recreational purposes, but today is used by drug dealers. “Guys have been selling drugs and conducting their business at that shelter. The shelter is at the heart of the drug activities happening in the area. The people are tired,” said Snyman.

After several phone calls by Wentworth police station commander, Colonel Willem Van Zyl, authorisation to ambush the said shelter was granted by SAPS and community members together with police went in guns blazing on Tuesday afternoon.

According to provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, police and Public Order police were confronted by a group of people who were opposed to the illegal structure being demolished. They were informed to disperse by police however they refused to comply and obstructed the police officers from executing their duties.

“A total of eight suspects aged between 17 and 56 were arrested for obstructing police officers. They will appear at the Wentworth Magistrates Court later today (Wednesday, 5 February) . The illegal structure was later dismantled by residents. The area remains calm and police are monitoring the situation,” said Naicker.

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