Four-year-old survives shooting in Hanover Park
A four-year-old was wounded during a shooting in Hanover Park on Wednesday.
Image: Independent Media Archives
TWO teenage boys have been arrested over the shooting of a four-year-old boy in what has been suspected to be a gang-related incident in Hanover Park on Wednesday.
The child was transported to a medical facility for treatment, said police spokesperson Andrè Traut.
“The Western Cape police management strongly condemns the ruthless and reckless conduct of criminals who continue to endanger innocent lives, following an incident in which a four-year-old boy was shot and wounded by a stray bullet in Moray Court, Hanover Park.
“According to reports, suspects believed to be linked to gang activity opened fire in public, injuring the young child in the process. Swift and decisive action by members of the South African Police Service led to the arrest of two 17-year-old suspects shortly after the incident. The pair are currently in custody and will appear in court once they have been charged,” said Traut.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia recently disclosed during a National Assembly mini-plenary that the Western Cape had recorded a staggering 490 gang-related murders in just six months, averaging 83 deaths per month.
Traut said focused policing operations continue to be conducted across identified hotspots to clamp down on those who perpetuate violence and disregard for human life.
“The Western Cape police management has expressed outrage at the (Hanover Park) incident and reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gangsterism and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
The SAPS calls on the community to work closely with law enforcement by sharing information that can assist in ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts are brought to justice,” Traut said.