The memorial service for well-known former Bishop Lavis police reservist, Gregory “Kallie” Carelse, will be taking place tonight at the Nooitgedacht Hall in Bishop Lavis.
Mourners are expected to gather at the hall at 19:00 for 19:30.
The 56-year-old, who was best known as Kallie, was allegedly gunned down by two men in Bishop Lavis at 17:45 on Thursday 18 October. One of the suspects was allegedly also shot and killed in the incident.
In an interview last week, a reliable source told TygerBurger the family is devastated about the murder. “He was very involved in crime fighting and combating gang violence in Bishop Lavis. Because of his crime fighting, it’s alleged that gang bosses offered hitmen R250 000 to get him killed,” said the source who preferred to remain anonymous.
According to the source, Carelse was murdered five minutes away from his house. “He was really a hero in the community. He was targeted by so many alleged gang bosses, for example the late Colin Stanfield (who died of lung cancer in 2004), Rashied Staggie and George ‘Geweld’ Thomas. People tried petrol bombing his house before so this was one of the many attempts on his life.”
The Western Cape minister of community safety and incoming Cape Town mayor, Dan Plato, told TygerBurger Carelse had worked for his department.
“I am shocked and dismayed at the murder of Gregory Carelse. He worked as chief security officer for the department. This is a great loss for us.
“I was at the scene (on Thursday) and want to express my condolences to the family, friends and all in the Community Safety family who have worked with Carelse.”
The story of Carelse’s death has resulted in a lot of reaction on Facebook, with many social media users expressing their condolences to his family.
On the “Bishop Lavis Gangwatch” Facebook group, Natasha Manirambona wrote that Carelse died a hero. She said his name must be written in the history of Bishop Lavis.
Jonathan Jonas took to the “Elsies River – My Hometown v2.0” Facebook group and said Carelse’s legacy will continue to live on in the community.
On “The Official Bonteheuwel Group” Kim-Kay Lee Julius described Carelse as a father to many youths.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said Bishop Lavis police are investigating a case of double murder. “According to information, a shooting incident occurred at the corner of Kasteelberg Road and Barracuda Crescent, Bishop Lavis, and it left two men aged 18 and 56 fatally wounded.
“Police detectives are combing for clues and appeal to anyone with more information about the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” says Rwexana. No-one has been arrested thus far.
