Outrage following tragic shooting of 13-year-old

The death of 13-year-old Devano van Wyk, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Monday morning after he was shot at the weekend, has sparked outrage in the Elsies River community.

A 17-year-old victim was shot and injured in the same shooting on Saturday, said police spokesperson Wesley Twigg.

Twigg said police responded to the scene in Betty Street, Avonwood.

“On arrival at the scene... the victims had already been transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The victims sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and face. According to reports the victims were walking in the road when they heard gunshots going off and were caught in the crossfire.

The suspect(s) are yet to be arrested,” said Twigg.

Elsies River Community Police Forum (ERCPF)’s, Hamish Arries, said when police arrived at the scene their vehicles were attacked and police responded with rubber bullets.

“Our primary concern will always be the safety of our community, especially our children.

“It is unacceptable that our children have to be constantly exposed to such a hostile environment where their lives are at risk from the many active shootings in our area on an almost daily basis,” said Arries.

Reacting to the news of Devano’s death, Avonwood residents protested at the intersections of Balvenie and 35th Street. Traffic had to be diverted from the burning rubble and crowds that had gathered.

The ERCPF condemned the ongoing killings in communities subjected to violent crimes.

“We believe every child has a right to a safe environment and the fact that these senseless killings continues unabated indicates that the state and its law enforcement agencies are failing in their duty to protect and ensure a safe living environment.

“We appeal for calm and request that those opportunistic forces who exploit volatile situations for either sensationalism or disruptive agendas without knowing all the facts to refrain from inciting our already traumatised communities,” said Arries.

Anyone with information on the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111, use the MySaps app.

Cape Times