Residents of Ottery awoke to horror on Thursday morning when two men were brutally murdered while searching through bins on the corner of Elzeth and Woodlands Roads. The men, aged 34 and 39, were known in the community for collecting recyclable materials on refuse days, but their usual routine ended in tragedy shortly after sunrise.

Witnesses said the pair were approached by a group of five men before shots rang out. One man was left dead innie pad — in the street — while the other was found lifeless in a nearby garden bed, where he had seemingly tried to flee.

Lansdowne Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Naz Karodia confirmed that both victims were from Hanover Park and were often seen in Ottery on bin collection days.

“Two coloured males, known to reside in Hanover Park and frequently seen in the area on bin collection days, were fatally shot,”

Karodia said.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear at this stage. Residents reportedly heard several gunshots before discovering one of the victims in the street and the other within a nearby residential property.”

Investigation Underway

Lansdowne SAPS has since launched a double murder investigation. Karodia said officers were combing through evidence and interviewing witnesses in hopes of identifying the perpetrators.

“Cops from Lansdowne SAPS are investigating the case,”

she added.

While the motive has not been confirmed, speculation around possible gang involvement has surfaced among residents. However, the CPF has appealed to the public to allow the investigation to unfold properly. They have also extended their condolences to the families of the victims, describing the killings as senseless and deeply distressing for the community.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that detectives were working tirelessly to track down the suspects.

“Lansdowne detectives are searching a crime scene in Elzeth Road for clues where two males were shot and killed early this morning, Thursday 9 October 2025 at about 6.10am,”

he said.

“Information at our disposal indicates that five unknown gunmen approached the two males and opened fire on them.”

Both victims, aged 34 and 39, were declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

“The suspects fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested,”

Swartbooi stated.

“Lansdowne police are investigating two counts of murder. The circumstances surrounding this incident are now the subject of an investigation by the South African Police Service.”

Authorities have urged members of the public with any knowledge of the shooting to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.

Karodia reiterated the CPF’s stance against violence in the community, appealing to residents to remain alert and supportive of law enforcement.

“As the Lansdowne Community Police Forum, we strongly condemn any acts of violence in our community,”

she said.

“Violence has no place in our neighbourhoods, and we urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information that could assist SAPS in their investigation.”

The Ottery community remains shaken by the killings, as investigators continue to piece together what led to the cold-blooded attack. Residents have expressed a shared sense of sorrow and frustration over the loss of two familiar faces who had long been part of the area’s early morning routine.