ELSIES RIVER – The ongoing gang war in Elsies River has claimed another life, with the fatal shooting of an alleged gang member inside his home in Clarke Estate early yesterday morning. The deceased has been identified as Rezano “Tiekie” Bruintjies, 25, who police sources say was an alleged hitman.
According to reports, Bruintjies was allegedly targeted by rival gangs from Eureka Estate, also known as White City. The motive behind the shooting is believed to be gang-related, further fuelling fears amongst residents already living in a state of constant anxiety.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident, stating: “Elsies River police registered a murder case following a shooting incident at 2am at a premises in Edward Place, Clarke Estate, where a 25-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded."
Van Wyk added: “According to reports, SAPS members attended to a complaint of a shooting at the mentioned address and on their arrival they found the body of the victim under the kitchen table. The victim died due to gunshot wounds to the upper body. Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation.”
The incident has further heightened tensions in the area, which has been plagued by gang violence for years. Community members are living in fear, unsure of what the next day will bring.
A community leader, who spoke to the Daily Voice on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, described the tense atmosphere: “The plek is very tense and that is a fact. Nobody knows what to expect. Parents are keeping their children out of school because of what is happening in Clarke Estate.”
The community leader confirmed that Bruintjies was known to be a gangster but expressed doubt that he was behind a recent video that has been circulating online.
The video, which surfaced on Monday, shows a group of young men opening fire in broad daylight along 35th Street, while vehicles pass by. The 50-second clip, filmed from a bedroom window, captures the sounds of gunshots and voices of a male and female. In the video, the men are seen running and shooting, ducking bullets from rival gang members. One man is seen continuously firing his weapon before reloading and continuing to shoot as the group flees the scene.
Some locals have speculated that Bruintjies was the individual who recorded the video and that this may have been the reason why rivals from White City targeted him. However, this remains speculation and has not been confirmed by police.
The recent surge in violence has left residents feeling vulnerable and desperate for intervention. The ongoing gang warfare has disrupted daily life, with many afraid to leave their homes, particularly after dark.
Captain FC van Wyk has appealed to the public for assistance in the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. "Van Wyk is appealing to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111."
