FAIRVALE Secondary Schools’ flag flew at half-mast since the murder of former learner, Keri Bloem, who was shot and killed outside a food outlet at Hillside Mall in Bluff, on November 9.
While police piece together the details of the shooting, which occurred at about 19:45, communications officer of the Brighton Beach police station, Captain Louise le Roux, said the motive for the shooting was not yet established.
“Brighton Beach detectives are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder. It is alleged that Bloem and two men exited a restaurant situated along Tara Road, Bluff, and while congregating outside the venue, gunshots rang out about five to 10 meters away from the victims,” Le Roux added.
Bloem was shot in the head. She was pronounced deceased upon arrival at hospital. A 27-year-old Merebank man was also shot and sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his right arm, right thigh and left leg. He was admitted to hospital for treatment and remains in a serious, but stable condition.
“It is reported that two suspects fled the scene on foot across the road from the restaurant, where they jumped into their getaway vehicle. Multiple casings were seized from the scene,” said Le Roux.
Bloem was the daughter of Fairvale Secondary School teacher, Gale Bloem.
Principal of the school, Dale Seidle, said the incident was difficult to deal with, as the entire Bloem family, including Keri’s parents and sibling, were alumnus of the school.
“It is with deep sadness that we offer our condolences to the Bloem family. The incident has left us in a gut-wrenching despair. The Fairvale family shares the Bloem family’s grief and the loss of their precious, beautiful and loving daughter.
“Keri was a diligent learner at Fairvale. She matriculated in 2013 and remained a part of the Fairvale family by supporting the school’s functions and fundraising efforts. Her mother, Gale, has been a dedicated teacher at Fairvale for over 30 years and she moulded her family on Christian values and morals.
“Keri will be sadly missed, but never forgotten by all of us. We hope that the Bloem family’s faith gives them comfort and strength during this difficult time,” said Seidle.
Community leader, Tracey Williams, said residents were frustrated and angry that the Wentworth community has become a warzone, where shootings are filtering into surrounding areas.
“Every week, we have a shooting, a murder, or a funeral that ends with another killing. When will we have peace? To those who kill, when you kill, it is a temporary victory as somebody else thereafter takes your place as a killer and then kills someone from your gang. Is drugs and gangsterism our livelihood now? We urge the people who think that they are gangsters, to think of their children, and all other children in the community. Gang can end if those involved can turn their hearts of stone into hearts of compassion. This can bring change,” said Williams.
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