Three die in shootings, guns seized in blitz

TWO men were shot dead in two separate incidents in Athlone and Bishop Lavis at the weekend.

ER24 said its paramedics attended to a shooting incident in 8th Avenue, Athlone.

Spokesperson Russel Meiring said: “While conducting a closer inspection, paramedics found that one man had sustained a fatal gunshot wound.”

Two other men were wounded, he added: “One man had sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and buttocks, leaving him in a serious condition. The other man had sustained a gunshot wound to his chest.” Both men were treated with advanced life support interventions and transported to nearby hospitals.

Police said a 35-year old man was shot dead in Bream Way, Nooitgedacht, while three others were wounded, including a 6-year-old child.

“The motive for the murder and attempted murders are yet to be established and suspects yet to be arrested,” spokesperson Andre Traut said.

While police conducted search operations in Heideveld on Saturday, they arrested a suspect, 34, found in possession of a .38 Special revolver and five rounds of ammunition.

Traut said that another operation, conducted in Elsies River on Saturday, resulted in four firearms being seized.

“Members of our Tactical Response Team responded to a shooting incident in Avonwood, Elsies River,” he added.

The area was searched to apprehend those firing the gunshots. “No one was arrested, but our search recovered four pistols and a revolver.”