A Merebank funeral turned deadly on Saturday, 16 August, after two brothers were shot outside the church shortly after one delivered a eulogy.The deceased have been identified as Tevin Luke and Keagan Beck.
Wentworth SAPS communications officer, Captain MP Gumede, said: “Wentworth SAPS Vispol (CSC) were called out to attend a shooting scene at the corner of Umarkot Crescent and Juggernaut Road, where there was a funeral at the church in the vicinity. Two unknown suspects fired at the two victims randomly. The victims were rushed to hospital and succumbed to their injuries.
The detectives at Wentworth SAPS are investigating two counts of murder. No arrests have yet been made.”
Speaking to the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid, presiding priest at the funeral, Reverend Herman Giraldo, said at first he did not realise that shots were fired and thought it was fire crackers but then he saw people scurrying and screaming.
“One of the young men who was shot, delivered a eulogy at his uncle’s funeral on Saturday. He said his uncle was his mentor and thanked him for helping find a job. He said his uncle taught him to take care of his family as family is always first.
The two young men then walked out of the church and minutes later the gunshots rang out. Only when I saw the people moving and taking cover, I realised that those were gunshots. I then took refuge behind the alter. Thereafter, I emerged and saw the commotion. There was a lady on the floor. I went to assist and helped her to a chair. She was the mother of the deceased men,” Rev Giraldo said.
He added: “I went outside and it was chaos. There was a person on the floor. Everyone was screaming and shouting. I advised the undertaker that we will say a prayer for the uncle whose funeral it was and they could take the body as we could not continue the service under the tragic circumstances. We are still trying to process what transpired and come to terms with everything that happened.”
Cpt Gumede urged anyone who could assist with information to contact police urgently at Wentworth SAPS on 079 500 1167 (24 hours), CrimeStop on 0860010111 or via the MySAPS app. Anonymity will be guaranteed.
PT Alarms tactical and armed response units were swiftly on scene following the deadly shooting and spokesperson, Dhevan Govindasamy said: “PT Alarms tactical and response officers rushed to the scene and helped police secure and cordon off the area. Emotions were high as all present were attempting to make sense of what occurred. Police processed the scene and investigations are underway.
On Sunday, 17 August, PT Alarms units increased visibility in the area, as the morning service continued amidst the traumatic ordeal.”
