A young father from Lavender Hill was tragically shot and killed while walking home after Taraweeh prayers on the first evening of Ramadan. The violent incident has left his family and the local community in deep distress, with many questioning the safety of worshippers during the holy month.
The grieving relatives of Sheremaan Petersen, 25, were left traumatised after receiving the devastating news of his murder. He was gunned down in Ashley Crescent while making his way home after prayer.
Sheremaan’s cousin, Nazley Maseco, 34, described his excitement about the start of Ramadan.
“Sheremaan worked as a construction worker and was supposed to go on a work trip on Monday,”
she said.
“He was very excited for Ramadan and to go for Taraweeh at his own mosque. He left at Eshaai time and after 10pm we heard skote being fired in the road.
“There were loud screams by neighbours who shouted his name and that is when we realised he was shot. He was shot walking home alone.”
According to reports, the assailants fired shots at several individuals on the street from a moving vehicle. The attack not only claimed Petersen’s life but also left two other men, aged 19 and 40, wounded.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the shooting and ongoing investigation.
“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Sunday in Ashley Crescent, Lavender Hill, where a 25-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded and two males, 19 and 40, shot and wounded are under investigation.
“Steenberg police were called to the crime scene where they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel while the other victims were taken to a medical facility for medical treatment.
“The suspect/s are yet to be arrested. Steenberg detectives are investigating a murder and two attempted murder cases.”
Sheremaan’s family rushed to the crime scene, where they were met with the heartbreaking confirmation of his death.
His cousin expressed the emotional toll the killing has taken on them.
“His mother and the whole family are traumatised. He was a friendly young man who would not shy away from saying something if he had something to say.
“For an innocent youngster to be killed coming from the mosque on the first day of Ramadan, it is very traumatising. He has a son who is not even a year old yet.”
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents voicing their growing concerns over safety, especially for those who attend mosque prayers late at night during Ramadan.
Maseco noted the increasing fear among worshippers.
“The community was upset at the scene because everyone was angry that they killed an innocent person like this.
“People are also worried now because in the pwasa, it is common to see men walking late home from the masjied, now they must fear being killed in the pwasa.”
