“He shot me, he shot me” were the words 20-year-old Linton Lawrence screamed out at his aunt’s front door before collapsing in a pool of blood from three gun shot wounds in Wentworth.
Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane, provincial police spokesman, said Lawrence was shot at on Monday morning, injuring his right jaw, stomach and neck. He also said the possible motive for the shooting was unknown at this stage.
Lawrence became the latest shooting statistic, said his father, Steven Lawrence, who felt this incident was brought on by drug dealing.
“My son had joined bad company. He was heavy into drugs but came clean recently for two months. He got back into it because of bad influences. He had a petty argument with a drug runner who in turn felt ashamed of being threatened by my son. The drug runner and the drug kingpin conspired to kill him,” Lawrence said.
Linton worked part-time at the local Engen refinery when jobs became available. His aunt, Sheryl Lawrence, said the family was devastated at seeing him in a critical condition. He was rushed to Wentworth Hospital and then transferred to King Edward VII Hospital where he is expected to undergo further medical checks on Wednesday.
“Linton had to be sedated. The bullet damaged his internal organs. He also had an infection because it took him long to receive treatment. We are praying for his recovery,” said his aunt.
The family alleged that a known drug dealer had walked passed Linton’s sister’s bedroom window on Sunday night, and warned her that Linton was going to die.
“He was crying in pain. The (alleged) shooter and drug lord lives in the same building as us. We are neighbours. I heard the drug lord paid R15 000 to drug addicts to kill my son. Where will my son live when he comes out of hospital?” Lawrence asked.
Zwane said a case of attempted murder was opened at Wentworth police station for investigation.
Aubrey Snyman, Austerville ward councillor, said a peace pledge, signed on December 23, was not hindered. Approximately 200 signatures were penned by residents of Wiest and Alabama roads together with Reiger Road, Retreat Street and surrounding areas as well as the Merewent Community Policing Forum.
Residents pledged to maintain peace and order declaring these areas zero violence zones and committed to ensuring a safer community for all.