Injury to one is injury to all, say residents demanding justice for slain Qadir Boer, 4

JUSTICE for little Qadir Boer was the call led by a group of Hanover Park residents outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court where two teenagers appeared for the murder of the 4-year-old.

Qadir died on Wednesday morning after being admitted to hospital the previous day after a bullet was shot through his head during a gang fight between the Ghetto Kidz and Incredibly Gifted Bastards (IGBs).

The suspects, both aged 17, made a brief first court appearance in camera at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court facing charges of murder, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

Outside the court, Hanover Park residents expressed their anguish and frustration at how Qadir’s life was taken.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said as a mother of two kids, she feels for Qadir’s family.

“I don’t know how the others feel, or how they deal with it or sleep at night, but as a mother I feel it. I don’t think bail is an option, the only thing we want is justice for a child that could’ve been mine.

“We need justice not only for Qadir, but an injury to one is an injury to all. I am heartbroken as I am standing in front of Athlone Court. We will get justice, if it is next week or whenever we are going to get it. 

"Another thing that irks me is that there is no death penalty. Where is it? If we still had it, our communities would be much better. But we have all these rapists, the killers - it's too much. Why must we watch 24/7 outside, we cannot even let our children play outside the door or in the yard.”

The case was postponed to October 17 for bail information. Shortly thereafter, Qadir’s janazah took place at Hangklip Court.

Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Anroux Marais said the police investigation must go beyond bringing the suspects to book.

“This senseless violence must stop. My heart breaks for the family of this young boy, and for all families who have lost children to gang violence.

"These thugs show a total disregard for the very communities that raised them. Our children are paying the price for their callous acts. We need to know who enabled these young individuals to get their hands on a firearm. 

“The source of that weapon must be tracked down, and those responsible must be held accountable. It is tragedies like this that highlight the desperate need for SAPS to be better resourced.”

Cape Times