Two cousins were among four people killed in a shooting in Glen Close, Grassy Park. Their family says they were not involved in gangsterism or crime.
A Grassy Park family is mourning two young cousins killed in a shooting in Glen Close, with relatives struggling to understand why the men were caught up in the attack.
Dorian Skippers, 24, and Junaid Simons, 19, were among four people shot when gunmen opened fire on a group sitting outside a house on Sunday night.
Dorian’s younger sister, Jamelia, said the family was devastated by the deaths and insisted that neither cousin was involved in gangsterism or crime.
She said Dorian had attended a team-building event before joining some colleagues at one of their homes in Grassy Park.
“After the team-building session, a few of his team members decided to go to one of their colleagues’ homes in Grassy Park. Dorian phoned Junaid to ask his one friend to come and fetch him. Junaid drove along.
“Dorian’s two friends stayed in the bakkie; only Junaid got out. A car just apparently pulled up and started shooting. We are told that it was two armed guys. Junaid, who was not even supposed to be there, and Dorian were killed. Two of Dorian’s colleagues were also killed.”
Junaid Simons and Dorian Skippers were among the victims of a deadly shooting in Grassy Park on Sunday night.
Family says cousins had no gang links
Jamelia said the family was desperate for answers and could not understand why the young men had been targeted.
“This was such a senseless shooting. There was no gangsterism involved. We are four siblings who were all raised by our grandmother. None of us are involved in gangs.
“On social media, everyone who knew them is speaking about what sweet souls they were. They were energetic and loving, so we cannot understand why they were shot the way they were shot.
“They were not the outgoing type. When they do go out, it would normally just be at a friend’s house. Dorian was very fond of his friends and even had a special relationship with their parents. It just does not feel real.”
The deaths have come three months after the family lost their father in a shooting.
Dorian had been in a six-year relationship with his girlfriend and was one of four siblings raised by their grandmother.
Jamelia said their grandmother was struggling particularly with the loss of two grandchildren.
“She is taking this very hard. She loves all her children and grandchildren. To lose two of her grandchildren in such a way is very hard on her,” she said.
Anti-Gang Unit investigates Glen Close shooting
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that the Anti-Gang Unit was investigating the shooting.
He described it as a drive-by attack after a white Toyota Tazz stopped outside a property in Glen Close, where four men were seated.
“The occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene. Three victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the fourth was transported to a medical facility for treatment,” Van Wyk said.
The injured victim later died, according to information received by IOL Media. The identities of the other two victims have yet to be confirmed.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application to provide information anonymously.