Cape Town – A funeral in Ravensmead descended into chaos on Saturday, 8 February, when a gunman opened fire, killing the father of the deceased before being beaten to death by enraged mourners. The shocking incident has left residents traumatised and the community reeling.
According to police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk, Ravensmead police are investigating two separate murder cases following the events at Beverly Court. A 54-year-old man was fatally shot by a 26-year-old man at approximately 8:45 am. The alleged shooter was then apprehended and beaten to death by members of the community present at the funeral.
"According to reports, the deceased attended his son’s funeral at the mentioned address when the suspect shot and fatally wounded him with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The suspect then ran away but was chased and apprehended by the community who attended the funeral and was beaten to death," said Van Wyk. The motive is believed to be gang-related.
A Daily Sun source from the area reported that the funeral was proceeding peacefully until a man dressed in black, who appeared to be a mourner, approached the father of the man being buried and opened fire at close range. "He didn't miss. He shot at the father at close range, and he died at the funeral right away. Mourners were shocked and panicked at first, but they quickly gathered their courage and apprehended the killer before he could run away from the scene," said the source.
The gunman, believed to be a gang member, was reportedly "moered" (severely beaten) by the mourners, resulting in his death at the scene.
The Ravensmead Community Police Forum (CPF) spokesman Lucian Davids expressed dismay and condemned the incident. "This morning, a father was shot dead at the funeral of his son. The perpetrator was caught by community members present, disarmed and beaten to death. These are the two bodies in the video that has circulated on the internet this morning," said Davids.
He added that this is the first incident of its kind in the area. "This is the first incident of this nature, and as Ravensmead CPF, we condemn in strongest terms this terrible precedent. It is an unspeakable act to do while someone is being laid to rest," Davids stated.
A video circulating online shows the victim's body covered with a white sheet, blood visible, surrounded by grieving mourners. Nearby, the shooter's body lies uncovered and unattended.
"He should have respected the funeral and mourners even if he had issues with the father of the deceased person. This is shocking. We have never witnessed such an incident. The funeral ended up with three bodies," a resident told Daily Sun.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Ravensmead SAPS Standby detectives on 021 933 9000 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
