Cape Town - There was chaos in Steenberg during a tense stand-off between residents and police after a man was gunned down.
Residents of Hillview took to the streets on Sunday with stones, burning tyres and rubble to show police they have had enough of the gun violence in the area. Police dispersed the angry mob using rubber bullets.
Elroy Dass, 31, was shot and killed by unknown gunmen in Langberg Street just before 3 pm.
Dass was shot multiple times in the face.
Residents said it took forensics four hours to collect his body and this sparked the violent protest.
A resident, who asked not to be named, says Elroy was a gentle soul and not affiliated with any gangs.
“He wasn’t a gangster. He did not bother a fly and was a well-mannered person who always had a smile on his face.
“We are tired of living like hostages, no one wants to hear our plight. We have to hide our children and look over our shoulders because we are not sure who is next. These gangsters are making life hell for everyone,” the angry mother says.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, says a murder investigation has been opened.
“At 2.40pm, Muizenberg police responded to a shooting incident in Langeberg Road, Hillview. Upon arrival, they discovered a body of a 31-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene,” Rwexana said.
“After the murder, residents of Hillview took part in a violent protest action, during which tyres were burnt and two SAPS vehicles were stoned and damaged. Cases of malicious damage to the property and theft were opened,” Rwexana added.