Teens among the dead in gang-related killings

Three young men, including a 16-year-old, were killed in gang-related shootings in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas over the past three days.

The shootings, two at the weekend and one yesterday, took place in Schauderville – where residents held a peace walk against gangsterism and drugs on Saturday – Arcadia and Salt Lake.

Police yesterday named the victims as Nezaan Malgas, 23, Kyle McCarthy, 16, and Alesandro Koesnell, 19.

Police said all three victims were affiliated to gangs in the northern areas.

The latest murders bring this month’s gang-related death toll to six.

Detectives said yesterday it was unclear whether the murders were linked.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said yesterday’s shooting took place in Melkbos Street, Salt Lake, at midday.

“A lone gunman approached [Malgas and] shot [him] four times.

“[Malgas] fled into a nearby house to hide. The gunman followed and shot another person in the leg while in the house,” she said.

McCarthy was shot dead outside a house in Highfield Road, Schauderville, at about 7pm on Saturday.

“A Volkswagen Caddy had stopped down the road. A man got out and ran up to them. Several shots were fired at both men, who scattered,” she said.

Insiders said the shooting stemmed from a fight earlier the same day.

McCarthy was shot in the neck. “He [fled] into a nearby house, collapsed and died.

“The shooter then ran back to the Caddy and drove off,” Naidu said.

The Caddy was later recovered at the house where the shooter is believed to be living.

At 8pm on Sunday Koesnell, 19, was gunned down while walking in Yellowwood Street, Arcadia.

“Koesnell was struck by several bullets.

The Gang Task Team is investigating the murders.