Shooters target Helenvale grandad

Witness in court case, wife and child, escape unharmed after suspected bid to silence him

AQUIET evening at home almost turned deadly for a Helenvale resident after what he believes was an attempt on his life failed on Saturday evening.

The man, 57, who asked not to be named, and his 11-year-old granddaughter were shot at, allegedly by the father of the little girl.

Having lost two family members to gang violence in little over a

If they want to take me out, the Lord will deal with them

year, the grandfather said he might have been targeted as he was due to testify in a court case against his son’s alleged killer.

“I will protect my home, come what may. I am not afraid of these guys trying to destroy my family,” he said.

Speaking about Saturday’s incident, he told how he had been standing outside his home with his wife and granddaughter.

“We were standing at the entrance of the garage. My wife went to speak to some people only a few metres from the gate when I heard a gunshot.

“They ran towards me, they were shooting but the bullets hit a car close to where I was standing.

“As the shooter moved closer, I recognised his face – he never said much, only that he did not care who got hurt in the process.”

His main concern was the safety of his wife and granddaughter.

“As soon as my wife heard the shots, the people she was with ran, and as she turned to run inside, she tripped and fell. Thankfully nothing serious happened to her, just a few minor scrapes.”

“I have been told numerous times by police to move to a safe place until the court matters have been concluded.

“I will not leave my family behind, I have to protect them. I do not want to be labelled a coward.”

A reformed gangster himself, he said he had left “that life” as he did not want anything to happen to his family.

“I have been staying here for more than 30 years. My children lost their lives here and I will not leave. If they want to take me out, the Lord will deal with them.

“They cannot call themselves men if they shoot at people who cannot defend themselves.

He said his wife had gone through a whirlwind of emotions since the incidents took place.

“I tried to calm her down after the incident, but this is taking a toll on her health,” he said.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed the incident.

She said the Provincial Gang Unit was investigating two cases of attempted murder.