The Bayview Community Policing Forum (CPF) has called for stricter gun control laws following two separate shootings that claimed the lives of two men in the Chatsworth area on Wednesday morning, 8 October.
Dr Brandon Pillay, Chairperson of the Bayview CPF, expressed deep concern over the ease with which firearms are accessed and questioned the competence of individuals who possess them.
“A young man shot and killed two people in one day, which raises serious questions about his competence to hold a firearm and whether the rules verifying firearm licences are being properly enforced,” Pillay said.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and described the incidents as deeply tragic, with many unanswered questions still surrounding the circumstances.
“This was an unfortunate incident that still has many unanswered questions as investigations continue. However, we must commend the swift response of the police and emergency services who attended both scenes promptly,” he added.
Pillay said the recent spike in gun-related violence has left residents fearful and reinforced the need for authorities to tighten firearm control and licensing regulations.
Pillay also addressed rumours circulating on social media regarding the shootings, which alleged a ‘secret relationship’ between his mother and the foreign national as a motive. He urged the public to act responsibly and allow investigations to proceed.
“It is malicious to spread such rumours. We urge the public to refrain from spreading rumours as the circumstances behind the shooting have not been confirmed by the police. The families involved are grieving and deserve space and respect,” he said.
The first shooting occurred just after 11:30am on Summerfield Road, Bayview, where a foreign national in his forties, believed to be a local barber, was gunned down. Amawele Emergency Services and ALS Paramedics responded to the scene, but the man had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival.
Less than an hour later, around 12:30pm, another shooting took place on Fiona Road, Mobeni Heights, roughly two kilometres from the first incident. Paramedics found another man in his forties, reportedly working in a garden when he was shot by unknown assailants. Despite efforts by medics, he was declared deceased on the scene.
Both incidents were attended by SAPS, Amawele Emergency Services, PT Tactical K9 Unit, Pro Secure, and Blue Security. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attacks.
Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, police spokesperson said: “Police in Bayview have arrested a 33-year-old man for two counts of murder following an incident in which the suspect allegedly shot and killed a 41-year-old man at Summerfield and then proceeded to his house at Bayview, Fiona Road and shot another man (54). He is due to appear before Chatsworth Magistrates Court.”
