Residents of the Kensight informal settlement in Brown’s Farm, Philippi, Western Cape, were left reeling after a 22-year-old man was fatally shot just metres from his home early on Sunday morning, 12 October.
Tragic Morning Shooting
At around 6:30 am, gunshots echoed through the usually quiet settlement. Neighbours later discovered the young man lying motionless in the street, suffering from three gunshot wounds to the head.
One resident, a neighbour, told reporters the victim “was not a naughty person in our community. He was always at home,” adding that the entire neighbourhood was shocked by the violence.
Possible Background Conflict
According to locals, the deceased had been living in a house that was the centre of long-running family disputes. The home’s ownership had been contested, and the victim had apparently refused to leave, insisting it was a family property. Whether this conflict played any role in the killing remains unknown.
Police Response and Investigation
Sergeant Wesley Twigg of the Western Cape police confirmed that authorities are investigating the fatal shooting. He said that when police from Nyanga arrived on the scene, they found the victim already deceased, and that crime scene investigators were called in to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No suspects have been arrested, and the motive is still unclear. Investigators are treating it as a murder case.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. Citizens can contact CrimeStop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app to report anonymously.
Community Fear and Frustration
The shooting has deepened fears in the community, with several residents voicing concern over a growing culture of violence. One person lamented, “We are scared. People are being killed for no reason, and we don’t even know who to trust anymore.”
Many in Kensight say they feel powerless and vulnerable, especially given the lack of answers in the wake of this senseless killing.
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