The killing of a 33-year-old Brooklyn man should be a “wake-up call” for improved policing in the area, say residents.
Mikaeel Williams was found dead in the backyard of a Conway Street property on Monday January 30. He had been shot twice.
A resident, Maria Hendricks, said there had been a number of shooting incidents in Brooklyn in the past week and she feared for her safety.
Whether they were gang-related or not, Brooklyn should be rid of gun and gang violence and Maitland police and Milnerton police should work together to “achieve this goal”, she said.
According to Maitland police spokesman Captain Glen Kotze, Mr Williams was with a friend who was shot in the buttocks near the corner of Kings Road and Ryk Street, on Monday January 30. While the friend ran to McDonald’s on Koeberg Road to phone the police, Mr Williams ran and hid at a nearby house where his body was later found by the owners.
“The one who was shot in the buttocks was transported to hospital. Neither of the victims are affiliated with gangs,” said Captain Kotze.
Police are investigating a case of murder and another of attempted murder, but no arrests have been made.
Captain Kotze said he could not confirm any other shooting incidents in Brooklyn.
Mr Williams’s cousin, Brandon Leiching, said he left behind three children and would be remembered for his confident character, dance moves, and skill as a soccer player.
“He was also a smooth talker with the ladies,” he said.
Cheryl Castle, a member of Brooklyn Ysterplaat Neighbourhood Watch, said Brooklyn had become an “anything goes” area.
“Prostitution, illegal traders, squatters, non-compliant liquor outlets and drug trade, it’s going to take a huge effort from the powers that be to clean up the area and make it a safe environment to live.”
The police were not doing enough to deal with crime and gang activity in Brooklyn, she said.
“Complaints that were raised years ago to multiple agencies were ignored, which has resulted in even bigger problems. Crime should not have to be consistently reported when it’s done in plain site. If it looks wrong, stop and address it as the longer it’s left to continue, the worse it’s going to get.”
A resident, Mark Guild, said the shooting should be a wake-up call for police to have their vehicles patrolling the area day and night.
Ward councillor Fabian Ah-Sing said Maitland and Milnerton police stations should do joint operations to curb gun violence, prostitution and gang-related crimes.
Milnerton police did not respond to Tabletalk’s emailed questions and calls by deadline.
