CAPE TOWN – The Factreton community is reeling in shock following the murder of a 14-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire during a gang-related shooting on Saturday 6 December.
A 53-year-old man sustained wounds to his arm.
Kensington Police station commander Lt Col Nkosinathi Losini said the girl was sitting outside her home in Lugmag Avenue when gangs started shooting at each other.
“The girl was sitting outside and then, one of the Nice Times gang members saw the vehicle of the Americans gang and started shooting at the moving vehicle. They moved in the direction where the girl and the man was, and they were hit by stray bullets.”
He explained that the man was treated on the scene by medical personnel.
Losini said no arrests have yet been made. “At the moment we are looking for one suspect. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder.”
As the festive season approaches, Losini assured residents that police have “matters under control”.
“There is extra deployment of the anti-gang unit who is monitoring the situation in the area. We were shocked by yesterday’s incident because due to the deployment we didn’t have any shootings for quite long.”
The area has been plagued by gang violence for the past few months.
Losini said since they have strengthened law enforcement agencies in the area, police have confiscated 45 firearms and made several arrests in recent months.
Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor, said residents are angry and are demanding answers from authorities.
He called on residents to take back their community.
“I need residents to channel that anger to a united front. One child is too many and we should rise up against it.”
Steenberg said a vigil for the teen will be held at 15:00 on Sunday.
