In a brazen daylight attack, Ashley “Essie” Phillips, the alleged leader of the Junky Funky Kidz gang, was shot and killed outside the Brackenfell South African Police Service (SAPS) offices on Thursday morning. The incident has left the community in shock, as the audacious shooting occurred just steps away from a police station.
According to a source close to the investigation, Phillips, a known figure from Lavender Hill, had visited the police station to comply with his bail conditions, which required him to sign in. As he was leaving, three suspects, believed to be affiliated with the rival Flakka gang, ambushed him.
“As he was leaving, three suspects, allegedly from the Flakka gang, ambushed him and one was confirmed to have a gun. They just openly klapped skote right there and they hit him in the head and back,”
the source revealed.
The source added that Phillips was accompanied by two guards at the time of the attack, but neither was armed.
“What is strange is that he had two guards with him but they had no guns. He ran and it looks like he collapsed there in the grass,”
the source explained.
The exact number of shots fired remains unclear, but it is believed that Phillips was struck in the back as he attempted to flee from his attackers.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident, stating that detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the suspects.
“Reports suggested that at about 9.45am [on Thursday], unknown gunmen opened fire near to a parking area on Brackenfell Boulevard, after the man left his Opel LDV and walked in the direction of Brackenfell SAPS offices. The man did not survive this onslaught on his life and was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested,”
Swartbooi said.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“The motive for the attack is part of a police investigation and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111,”
Swartbooi added.
