Cheslyn Philander and Zane Geyers, the two suspects linked to a gang-related shooting last week, return to court on July 6.
The duo was arrested on Tuesday after three people were shot in Lawrence Erasmus Drive in Bethelsdorp, a small town outside Gqeberha in Eastern Cape.
Justin Malgas was killed on the spot and Kurtley Rossouw, a teenage boy who was playing outside his home, died later in hospital after he was hit by a stray bullet.
Malgas’ friend escaped with gunshot injuries.
The suspects briefly appeared before the Gqeberha magistrate’s court on Thursday on two charges of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner General Nomthetheleli Mene described the shooting as gang-related.
“The incident is gang-related and the provincial organised crime investigation [gang investigation unit] is investigating two counts of murder and one attempted murder case,” said Mene.
Mene added that the police will be working closely with the prosecuting authority to ensure that the suspects do not get bail.
“Gang violence has a devastating effect on the innocent citizens who are caught in the [middle of] gang wars.
“We encourage citizens to take a stand and report criminals either voluntarily or anonymously to police.”
Reports say Malgas and his friend were walking in the street when shots were fired at them from a passing silver Renault.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said Malgas died on the scene while his friend managed to escape with injuries. The teenage boy was taken to hospital where he died later.
Last week’s shooting was preceded by a series of mass shootings that have rocked Gqeberha since the start of the year.
In March, four people were fatally shot in KwaZakhele and New Brighton, a month after eight people had been gunned down at a house party in the same area.
In January, three women and four men were shot and killed at a house party in KwaZakhele and an eighth person died later in hospital.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
