Councillor Barbara Rass has called for the state to bring back capital punishment after a shooting in Atlantis.
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Two people died and one was injured in a brazen shooting outside the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court on Thursday at about 1pm.
Atlantis councillor Barbara Rass, whose office is opposite the court, said people fled from the court building, screaming in panic.
Two men, aged 28 and 23, were shot and killed, and another was wounded and taken to hospital.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut said the shooting happened at about 12.50pm, and police were still looking for the gunmen.
Police had “no idea” what had led to the shooting. They were investigating.
He said the wounded man was not critical.
Rass said: “After 1pm, as the court was closing, everyone came out together. We heard two shots in the court direction and then three more shots.”
She called on the state to bring back capital punishment for killers who had no respect for the law.
“Three people were shot. One person died behind the court and another managed to run, but then fell down.
“He was rushed to the hospital where he died. A third man was shot in the arm and leg.”
She added: “Atlantis is in mourning. Many years ago there was also a shooting outside this court and recently there have been a lot of hits in the area. It’s all about grudges and territory between gangs.”
She called for more police visibility and cameras outside court.
“Every Saturday I'm attending a funeral and that is not okay.”
On Wednesday, metro police officers swooped on suspected drug dens and gang safe houses in Lavender Hill.
“Operation Choke” was in response to the murder of traffic officer Wesley Woodman in Prince George Drive last week while he was fining a motorist, Shuaib Arafdien. It is believed Arafdien, who also died, was a member of the Junkie Funkies gang, and was the target. - Cape Argus