News24 | Another suspected gangster gunned down outside Cape Town courthouse amid rising turf war

A suspected gang member was shot outside the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday. (Supplied/SAPS)

• Cape Town's escalating gang violence has claimed another life, that of a suspected gang member who was shot outside Athlone Magistrate's Court.
• This comes just days after the alleged leader of the Junky Funky Kids gang was executed outside Brackenfell police station. 
• Police are searching for the killer. 

Cape Town's escalating gang violence has claimed another life after a suspected member of the Americans gang was shot and killed outside the Athlone Magistrate's Court, just metres from the local police station.

The shooting took place on Lower Klipfontein Road, where Athlone SA Police Service (SAPS) detectives are searching for clues.

According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the 43-year-old victim was sitting on the pavement opposite the courthouse when an unidentified gunman approached and opened fire.

"The suspect fired several shots before fleeing the scene. The victim died from his injuries," said Van Wyk.

The Athlone police are investigating a murder case, but the shooter remains at large. Police are still investigating the motive behind the attack.

Athlone Community Policing Forum chairperson Sharon Classen condemned the killing but said little was known about the circumstances behind it.

"It is believed to be gang-related but, unfortunately, there is not much information available at this stage," she said. 

READ | Police deploy extra officers in case alleged gang leader's murder sparks retaliation

This latest shooting comes barely a week after a similar incident occurred last week on Thursday, when Ashley "Essie" Phillips, 42, the leader of the Junky Funky Kids (JFK) gang, was shot outside the Brackenfell police station. 

At the time of the attack, Philips, who was out on bail for two murder charges related to crimes in the Muizenberg precinct, had been following bail conditions that required him to report to the station daily.

The Americans gang, one of Cape Town's most notorious organised crime groups, is aligned with the 26s and 27s prison gangs and consists of more minor factions such as the Ugly Americans, Young Americans, Dixie Boys and Sexy Boys. 

Their rivals are The Firm, which is aligned to the 28s and comprises smaller units, including the Hard Livings, the 28s street gang, JFK, the Fancy Boys, Mongrels, and the Terrible Josters.

As turf wars intensify, law enforcement faces growing pressure to curb the violence. Anyone with information about the Athlone shooting is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app to report anonymously.