Northern areas shootings see two killed, three wounded
TWO people died and three others were wounded in four separate gangrelated shootings in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas at the weekend.
One of the shootings occurred right outside Life Mercantile Hospital on Friday night.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said a 23-year-old pedestrian and a hospital security guard were wounded when six men fired shots at about 8.45pm in Durban Road.
“A 23-year-old man was walking towards Cottrell Street while a white Isuzu bakkie with six men was parked at the Caltex garage near Mercantile Hospital,” Labans said.
“The men in the bakkie started firing at the man who was walking. There were 26 shots fired.”
He said the pedestrian ran towards the hospital, where the security guard was on duty in a security box. Both men then ran towards the hospital.
“While they were running the guard was shot in the left shoulder while the man was shot in the buttocks and upper leg . . . The six men who were firing the shots disappeared,” Labans said.
Bruce Janssens, Border-Kei and Port Elizabeth regional manager of Life Healthcare, confirmed the incident.
“The accident and emergency unit at Life Mercantile Hospital received a patient from an outside incident on Friday evening. All security measures were in place and hospital security was not breached,” he said.
Labans also provided details of a gang-related shooting in Fitchard Street, Helenvale, at 11pm on Friday.
Two suspects fired six shots at a 25-year-old walking down the street. He was shot in the left arm and was taken to hospital.
“The two suspects fled the scene on foot,” Labans said.
In another shooting, a 22-year-old was killed when two men fired 27 shots at him at the Allan Hendrickse complex in Korsten on Saturday at 6.45pm, Labans said.
“The 22-year-old was walking with friends and as he entered the flats there was a silver Hyundai with two men inside. They jumped out of the car and started firing at him. There were 27 shots fired.”
He said the man died at the scene.
Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man was shot and killed in Mildred Street, Gelvandale, at 11.30pm on Saturday.
“He was in the street when suspects started firing shots. He was hit in the chest and on his right side. Four men have been arrested and are expected to appear in court shortly.”
Police are looking for any information that would lead to the arrest of further suspects in the cases.