Off-duty law enforcement officer killed by stray bullet in gang shoot-out

A gang war has claimed the life on an off-duty law enforcement officer in Cape Town.

Toufeeq Williams, 37, was shot and killed in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, on Sunday.

Provincial police oversight and community safety MEC Reagen Allen said Williams was carrying a baby when he was struck by a stray bullet fired by warring gangs. Williams was attached to the city’s Hanover Park law enforcement advancement plan (LEAP) unit.

Allen said he was “outraged” by the murder.

“It is alleged officer Williams, who was carrying a baby at the time of this incident, was fatally shot on the corner of Hengelaar street,” he said.

“We have subsequently been advised that there is a gang war occurring between the 28s numbers gang and the Mongrels who are allegedly seeking to claim the territory for their illicit activity.”

Allen warned the gangs they had “not only declared war on LEAP, but on the state in its entirety.

“Every ounce of law enforcement, the South African Police Service and all intelligence will be unleashed on them. We are coming for the individuals who committed this heinous crime, for both gangs, anything and anyone associated with them, their assets and everything they think will assist in continuing with their illegal activities.

“I want the ones who made the firearms available to them to also directly be charged with murder. In fact, all of them should be hit with the entire Prevention of Organised Crime Act. They should know that their time of roaming around and resting easy is completely over. Any person, whether in uniform or a civilian that assists in the protection of these gangs, can expect the same treatment.”

He assured Williams’ family that no stone would be left unturned apprehending the culprits.

“To the LEAP family, I say, let this serve as our encouragement to drive criminals and their criminal activity out of our communities,” he said.

“I want to assure officer Williams’ family that his death will not be in vain. We will not leave any stone unturned. Arrests and lengthy jail sentences must follow. The community of Mitchells Plain and all other areas plagued by these types of incidents should know that we will not rest until we combat murders and crime throughout the province.”

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