Fears ’gang boss’ shooting will spark violence

William “Red” Stevens, 66, was shot dead.

Kraaifontein residents fear the shooting of alleged gang boss William “Red” Stevens will lead to more bloodshed.

Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz has called for calm in the area.

Stevens, 66, was gunned down by three unknown men outside his home in Rembrandt Street, Scottsville, on Tuesday February 2, after 6.30pm, said Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut.

The killers fled in a blue Hyundai.

Stevens was one of three suspects arrested on December 23 in connection with the murder of international steroid smuggler Brian Wainstein on August 18, 2017.

His co-accused were businessman Mark Lifman and alleged leader of the Sexy Boys gang, Jerome “Donkie” Booysen. They were due to appear in court on February 9. They were granted R100 000 bail each.

Kraaifontein streets were eerily quiet when Northern News visited the area on Wednesday.

A resident who did not want to be named, fearing victimisation, said: “Things are only about to get worse.” Gangs had already started retaliating, she said, urging her fellow residents to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Stevens on the Kraailove Facebook page, with some saying he had helped many in the community.

The ward councillor, Brenda Hansen, said police visibility has increased in the area since Stevens was killed.

William “Red” Stevens, 66, was gunned down outside his home in Scottsville.