Cape Town - A shebeen shootout has left one man dead and two others wounded.
Police could neither confirm nor deny the shooting in the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi, saying they “don’t have it on record”.
Malusi Class, whose brother Nkazimlo was killed, said he would miss his older brother.
“He was a big brother anyone would hope for; we shared everything and gave each other advice. I will miss him.”
Class said he last saw his 29-year-old brother last Tuesday and was supposed to meet up with him on Sunday to help extend his shack.
“My brother would never hurt anyone. He didn’t like bad things happening to anyone - even a person he doesn’t know.”
He said since they had both found work, they had made plans which would now would never come to fruition.
Class’s aunt Nothulani Mbedla couldn’t hold back her tears
“When he lived with me, he was very talkative and would make us laugh all the time.
“He helped me around the house, and was always willing to assist neighbours,” she said.
“He always listened, even when reprimanded. I will miss him.”
Community leader Siyabulela Nomlose said Class was a good person who never caused trouble.
“It’s such a shame what happened to him.”
Nomlose said there had been discussions about closing down shebeens at midnight following complaints from residents.
“Shebeens are open 24 hours and there is noise throughout the night.
“Residents say they can’t sleep as a result, and that a lot of crime happens that time because drunk people roam the streets.”
The community is not sure what led to the shootout.
Nomlose said some people believe that “the shooters were looking for the owner”.
The shebeen was closed when the Cape Argus visited the area.
Police spokeswoman Constable Noloyiso Rwexana said there was another shooting in Marcus Garvey informal settlement, also in Philippi.
“Police attended to a shooting incident on Saturday and on arrival they found a 41-year-old man dead from gunshot wounds. It is believed that the man is the shebeen owner.”Rwexana said a murder case has been opened, but no arrests have been made.
Cape Argus