11-year-old girl killed in Kraaifontein gang crossfire, two others injured

As gun violence continues across Cape Town, a Kraaifontein family is reeling in shock after their daughter was shot and killed after being caught in a crossfire on Tuesday evening. 

The shooting incident took place in Mti Street in Wallacedene at 7.20 pm. 

The Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, confirmed the shooting incident and said three people were shot. 

“Kraaifontein police registered a case of murder and two counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident on Tuesday, where an 11-year-old female was shot and fatally wounded, and an eight-year-old female and a 20-year-old male were injured,” van Wyk said. 

He said reports state the young victims were playing outside when an unknown suspect approached and started shooting in the street. 

“All three victims were wounded by stray bullets. The 11-year-old female victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. Both the injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The motive for this incident is believed to be gang-related.  The suspect fled the scene and is yet to be arrested,” van Wyk said. 

Anti-gender-based violence organisation, Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said this tragedy highlighted the sad state of affairs in communities where children are not safe in their own neighbourhoods and forced to live under the constant threat of gang violence. 

“That an 11-year-old child lost her life while playing outside is an indictment of a society that has failed to prioritise the safety of its most vulnerable members. Gang violence is not an isolated problem. It is rooted in the conditions of poverty, inequality, and neglect that continue to define life in many of our townships. The persistence of these killings reflects systemic failures to dismantle gangs, to provide meaningful alternatives for young people, and to deliver effective policing that communities can rely on. Until these failures are addressed, children will continue to die, families will continue to grieve, and communities will continue to be terrorised,” Monakali said. 

Police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. Information will be treated as highly confidential. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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