Durban - Revellers at a popular Florida Road, Durban eatery were forced to dive for cover when gunshots rang out during a clash between a group of patrons and members of a Wentworth gang.
Kyle Morrow, 32, who was in the group that clashed with the gang at the Florida Keys Restaurant, died of his wounds in the early hours of on Saturday.
A patron, who asked not to be named, said Morrow had initially got into an argument with gang members. “He fired two warning shots to keep them at bay.
“When Morrow fired the shots, his friends got into a brawl with the gang. They threw bottles and tumblers at each other.”
The patron said Morrow, a married father of three, had been shot on the pavement café area. Morrow’s uncle, Pastor Donney Anderson, claimed his nephew’s killing had been “plotted”.
“The family has been devastated by Kyle’s death. It is difficult to understand. He was out with friends to have a good time but he got shot instead.”
Anderson said Morrow had grown up in Wentworth but was living in eManzimtoti.
When asked if Morrow may have been a victim of a gang turf war, Anderson replied: “Kyle was implicated in a Wentworth shooting previously but that was a thing of the past. He parted ways with the guys he hung out with. It seems like bad blood remained.”
Anderson said the shooting had given rise to much anger and fear in the community and he hoped and prayed it did not not translate into more violence.
Outspoken Wentworth environmental activist Desmond D’Sa confirmed the community was “nervous”.
He feared Morrow’s death could lead to more trouble between rival gangs.
“Our greatest fear is an all-out war in the aftermath of this killing. I’ve seen it happen in the past, now lives of people in the community are going to be in great danger,” D’Sa predicted.
SAPS spokeswoman Nqobile Gwala confirmed the shooting.
Charges of murder and attempted murder were being investigated, she said.
“Two groups were involved in a fight. They threw beer bottles at each other. Gunshots were also fired and one of the suspects pointed a firearm at an off-duty police officer, who was in the restaurant.”
Gwala said four suspects aged between 20 and 36 had been arrested and charged with murder.
Four firearms were also seized.
The suspects are due to appear in court soon.
Gary Ayres, owner of the Florida Keys restaurant, said thatthe shooting had not taken place on his premises.
“I haven’t received a call from the police as yet, and I cannot confirm that the people involved in the shooting were patrons at my establishment.
“No gunshots were fired in my venue. I have footage confirming that,” Ayres said.
Morrow’s funeral is expected to be held next weekend.
Sunday Tribune