Cape Town - A Cape Town traffic officer and motorist were shot dead in broad daylight on Wednesday in Prince George Drive in the latest deadly gang violence in Lavender Hill.
Wesley Woodman, a traffic officer, had pulled Shuaib Afradien over at about 10am and was issuing him a ticket when both were gunned down.
Arafdien was allegedly a member of the Junkie Funkies gang.
Deputy mayor Ian Neilson said: “Officer Woodman, a traffic officer for 14 years, was issuing a traffic fine to a motorist when shots were fired by unknown assailants – killing the motorist and wounding the officer in the head.
“Woodman was taken to Groote Schuur Hospital, where he later died due to the severity of his injuries.”
Woodman’s service firearm was stolen during the incident.
“On behalf of the residents of Cape Town, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his family, who have tragically lost a husband and father.
“I condemn this senseless act and the callous and cruel behaviour of the perpetrators,” Neilson said.
Ironically a month ago, on February 21, Woodman wrote about the loss of a colleague and friend on his Facebook page:
“Another friend! Another colleague… gone! How many more do we have to lose! My family in law enforcement, we all grieve together, we all bleed together! Again I recite the officers’ prayer! Take care, My Family!”
Woodman was married with three children.
Kevin Southgate, chairman of the community police forum, said it was sad that an officer of the law was shot when he was only doing his job.
“It shows how vulnerable police are and that there is disrespect for law enforcement. What does this tell you about how community members feel when police are so vulnerable?”
Prince George Drive between Concert Boulevard and Retreat Road was cordoned off until early afternoon, while grim-faced residents watched police go about their business.
When approached one resident said: “I can’t be seen talking to you, it’s too dangerous.”
It was reported Arafdien, 26, would have appeared in court next month in connection with a charge of murder.
He was the father of four children ranging from one month to six years.
His wife and mother-in-law, who were distraught while standing at the murder scene, declined to comment. But his former girlfriend and mother of two of his children, Natalie Rhodes, sat teary-eyed at her home in Lavender Hill.
Her sister, Natasha, said that while Arafdien had been a member of the Junkie Funkies, he was also a good person.
“Every Sunday he came to visit and fetch cake from my mom.”
Another sister, Crystal, said it was sad his children would grow up without knowing their father.
“We grew up together. He was quiet and came from a decent family.”
Cape Argus