In a violent outbreak of gunfire in Wesbank on Saturday night, four individuals were caught in a hail of bullets, leaving a 37-year-old father dead and three others wounded.
The shooting unfolded around 6.45pm when armed assailants targeted a group gathered outside a residence on Avila Street, just off Wesbank Main Road. Jeneul Absolom, known as Nielas, was fatally shot in the head while visiting a friend.
He was found lying in front of the premises on Wesbank Main Road and was the only victim who died. Medical personnel declared him dead at the scene.
Two women, aged 43 and 50, and a 60-year-old man were also shot and wounded. They were transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said Mfuleni SAPS members were patrolling the area when they heard the gunshots and rushed towards the scene.
“Mfuleni SAPS members was patrolling in Avila Street, Wesbank when they heard gunshots in Wesbank Main Road and immediately responded to that direction.
“As they approached Wesbank Main Road, they were stopped by a member of the community who pointed out the crime scene to them.
“Members observed the body of a 37-year-old male lying in front of a premises, with gunshot wounds to his head. He was declared deceased at the crime scene by medical personnel.
“Three injured victims, two females aged 43 and 50, and one male aged 60 were transported to hospital. Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation.
“Mfuleni police registered a murder and three counts of attempted murder for investigation. The motive is believed to be gang related.”
Tributes have since poured in on social media for Jeneul, with friends and family sharing condolences and remembering the father.
His eldest brother said he was in Wesbank visiting his “in-laws” when he received the tragic news.
“Jenuel is my youngest brother and the only one who passed away at the scene. He was visiting a friend at the time of the shooting. I don’t know the other victims.
“I used to live in Wesbank but I no longer live there. At the time of the shooting, I was in Wesbank visiting my in-laws when I was informed of the incident.
“The best way to describe my brother is a people’s person. Whenever we had family gatherings, he was always the entertainment, making jokes and being friendly,” he said.
