Scholar succumbs to injuries after being caught in rival gang crossfire in M/Plain

A teenage girl has succumbed to injuries after she was caught in a crossfire between rival gangs in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain, on Tuesday morning.

According to police, a 12-year-old girl was shot and killed by a stray bullet.  

Ward Councillor, Solomon Philander says the incident occurred just after 11a.m at the Ieglaasi Nieyah Primary School. He says LEAP officers are patrolling the area.

‘’LEAP officers are patrolling the area and I appeal to the south African police services to be visible in the community during this time. I made contact with the various schools to ensure that evey child in their care are safe and that we coordinate efforts to reunite all children from school with their families at school dismissal times,’’ said Solomon Philander, sub council 12 chairperson, and ward councillor 116.

The school has issued a letter saying the school will remain closed for the rest of the week and reopen on Monday, 5 February 2024.

SCHOOL LETTER ISSUED BY IEGLAASI NIEYAH SCHOOL

Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, expressed his anger towards the incident. Allen has called on SAPS to initiate the prevention of crime act, which introduce measures to combat criminal gang activities, amongst others.

‘’These barbaric individuals must be caught. It has to be established where the firearms and ammunition came from, as the suppliers should also be charged.’’

Police confirmed the incident, saying they are probing the matter.

‘’Mitchell’s Plain police registered a murder case following a shooting incident this morning (Tuesday, 2024-01-30) at about 11:20 at a school situated in Khayalami Street, Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain.’’

‘’According to reports a 12-year-old girl was caught in a crossfire between rival gangs, and was shot and killed by a stray bullet. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.’’

Anyone with any information about this fatal shooting incident is requested to contact the investigating officer of Anti-Gang Unit, Detective Sergeant Bradley Schuurman. 071 673 3841 or alternatively call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Done by: Mitchum George