Cape Town's escalating gang violence reached a horrifying new peak on Monday with the brazen murder of a suspected member of the notorious Americans gang, just metres from the Athlone Magistrates Court and a stone's throw from the local police station.
The victim, identified as 43-year-old Irefaan Johnson, was gunned down in broad daylight on Lower Klipfontein Road, leaving witnesses traumatised and highlighting the escalating lawlessness gripping the city.
A close friend of Johnson, speaking to the Daily Voice on condition of anonymity, described the brutal attack. “Faan was attending court for his son who is on a murder case,” the 50-year-old friend recounted.
“He just walked out of the court when four guys ran up to him. One of them had a gun and fired a lot of bullets. He is an American and we think it’s one of the rivals because Faan controls the area near Gonubie Street, but we are not sure yet. They shot him between six to 10 times and he collapsed on the spot and died. Everyone is shocked that they did it like that.”
The graphic description of the attack underscores the callous disregard for human life displayed by the perpetrators.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident, stating: “Athlone SAPS detectives were on the scene at Lower Klipfontein Road, combing the area for clues, where a 43-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded. According to preliminary reports the deceased was sitting on the pavement at the mentioned address, opposite the Athlone Magistrates court. An unidentified male walked up to him and fired several gunshots at him. He died on the scene due to injuries sustained.” The police investigation is underway, but the suspects remain at large.
Captain van Wyk further confirmed that a murder case has been registered and that the motive for the killing is currently under investigation. “The motive for this incident forms part of a police investigation. The suspect fled the scene and is yet to be arrested,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice. The brazen nature of the attack, occurring in such close proximity to a courthouse and police station, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current crime-fighting strategies.
The friend's account also detailed the emotional aftermath of the shooting, particularly for Johnson's children. “The scene was very sad,” the friend said. “I could see shots in his chest but I don't know if they shot him in the head. I brought his two sons from Manenberg to the scene where they were crying and trying to get to their father’s body but were stopped by police and placed in holdings because they went onto the crime scene. We were informed that his son who was appearing in court was informed what had happened outside the court and was crying hysterically.”
The Americans gang, to which Johnson allegedly belonged, is a prominent player in Cape Town's underworld, known for its links to the 26s and 27s prison gangs and its various factions, including the Ugly Americans, Young Americans, Dixie Boys, and Sexy Boys. Their rivalry with The Firm, aligned with the 28s and encompassing gangs like the Hard Livings, JFK, Fancy Boys, Mongrels, and Terrible Josters, fuels much of the ongoing violence. The intensifying turf wars between these groups are placing immense pressure on law enforcement agencies to effectively curb the violence and restore a sense of security to the affected communities.
Athlone Community Policing Forum chairperson Sharon Classen condemned the killing, stating: "It is believed to be gang-related but, unfortunately, there is not much information available at this stage." Her statement reflects the limited information available immediately following the incident, highlighting the need for increased community engagement and information sharing to assist police investigations.
Anyone with information about the Athlone shooting is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app to report anonymously.
