Multiple gunshots were fired at the vehicle in which a man was seated. He died at the scene.
Image: Reaction Unit South Africa
THE assassination of Anthony “Tatu” Gounden has allegedly sparked violence in Verulam, as his gang members fight to maintain control of their turf.
On Friday, a Verulam man, was killed in a drive-by shooting, believed to be linked to the drug turf war.
It has been alleged that members of the “Tatu gang” want to remain in control even after the death of their “leader”.
According to a source, the shooting occurred a day before Gounden's 40-day ceremony, which was held on Saturday.
Gounden, also known as “Tatu”, 44, of Verulam, was gunned down while seated in his minibus at a petrol station in the Sibaya area last month.
It is alleged that two men approached the vehicle and fired several gunshots at him. He died at the scene.
According to the source, the shooting was an attempt to “wipe out the competition”.
“It is believed that the members of the ‘Tatu gang’ still want that power even if their leader was taken out. They are targeting other drug shops or dealers in the area as they believe Verulam belongs to them. There is no such thing as anyone else taking over since Anthony is dead. Verulam is their territory.”
Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South Africa, said they received multiple calls after residents reported that an Indian male armed with an AK-47 opened fire on a man seated in a vehicle in Oakford, Verulam on Friday afternoon.
He said reaction officers arrived on the scene and found the 33-year-old man lying across the front seats of the vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds to his face and body.
Balram said the man was declared deceased at the scene.
“Witnesses alleged that the shooter arrived in a silver VW T-Cross before opening fire on the motorist and fleeing the area. Several high-calibre spent rifle cartridges were recovered.”
Balram said a second man linked to the incident had privately transported himself to hospital.
“Officers proceeded to the medical facility and interviewed the injured male. The man sustained injuries to his right hand that were not believed to be firearm related. According to him, he and the deceased were sitting under a tree across the road prior to the incident. The deceased allegedly returned to a blue Toyota Corolla to charge his cellphone when a gunman approached and opened fire,” he said.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said a case of murder was opened.
He said the motive for the killing was unknown at this stage.