The community of Ravensmead is reeling in shock after a senseless act of violence claimed the lives of two young people, Chelsea ‘Lilly’ Matthyse, 22, and Ashlin Petersen, 19, on Sunday night. The two were shot dead by occupants of a white Toyota Etios while on their way to the tuckshop on Anamone Street around 8.34pm. A 20-year-old male managed to survive the shooting and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Gang-Related Violence
Ashlin’s family said that the killers ‘were out to get him’. A relative said: “We were sitting in the living room, and the gunshots went off repeatedly. You don’t even kill an animal like that. It’s like they emptied their gun on him. They were out for him, but he distanced himself from many things; he would just be at home, go out to do odd jobs, walk, then come back home and stand by the shop.”
According to the South African Police Service, two men were arrested for the shootings, however, two suspects are still at large. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the motive is believed to be gang-related. Investigations continue, and the two other suspects are still at large.
Community in Mourning
The families of the victims are devastated by the loss of their loved ones. Chelsea’s family said: “We do not know what happened because we were at home; we just heard the gunshots. She was a lovely person and wasn’t involved in any wrongdoing. We heard that after they shot her and while she was lying there, they circled back to her and shot her again.”
Some of the key facts about the incident include:
- Two people were killed, Chelsea ‘Lilly’ Matthyse, 22, and Ashlin Petersen, 19
- One person, a 20-year-old male, was wounded and is receiving medical treatment
- The shooting occurred on Anamone Street in Ravensmead around 8.34pm on Sunday night
- Two men were arrested, however, two suspects are still at large
- The motive is believed to be gang-related
As the community of Ravensmead comes to terms with the senseless violence, they are calling for an end to the gang-related violence that has plagued their area for years. For more information on gang-related violence, visit the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime website.
