Tensions are palpable in Scottsville, Kraaifontein, where William ‘Red’ Stevens, a feared gang leader, was gunned down on Tuesday evening.
As reported by IOL, police were called to Stevens’ home at approximately 18:30, where the 66-year-old had been shot multiple times.
At this time, details around the shooting remain sketchy. However, according to Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz, it’s believed that Kraaifontein homicide detectives are in search of three men who were seen fleeing Stevens’ home shortly after he was shot.
William ‘Red’ Stevens: Gang leader death could spark a gang war
Those who knew Stevens were well informed about his status in the Cape Town gang community. However, the walls were closing in on the 66-year-old at the time of his death.
According to reports, Stevens was part of a trio that was nabbed in December 2020 for the assassination of renowned steroids smuggler Brian Wainstein in 2017.
Stevens, a crude businessman Mark Lifman and Jerome “Donkie” Booysen, a man believed to be the leader of the notorious Sexy Boys gang, were all pinned for the murder and had been out on R10 000 bail, respectively.
The suspects in the Wainstein murder were due to appear in court on Tuesday 9 February 2021. With Stevens ‘dealt with’, only Lifman and Booysen are left to face the music.
Cape Town government calls for calm amid fears of retaliation
Fritz confirmed that there is cause for concern in the passing of Stevens. The safety MEC vowed to use every resource available to track down the persons responsible for the death of the 66-year-old.
“Upon hearing of Mr Stevens death, my department immediately contacted the SAPS provincial joints committee to understand their response to maintain calm in the area. We cannot allow our communities to become places of instability or violence,” he said.
At the time this article was published, the suspects were still at large.