Harare residents were left reeling after four children were shot at a barber in Bukwayo Street on Wednesday 11 December resulting in the death of a 12-year-old child, while three other children were injured and taken to hospital.
Residents suspected the incident was extortion-related.
A community member, who preferred not to be named, said three men entered the barber to collect money, but the owner wasn’t there.
“That was a statement from the [alleged] extortionists. These guys went to the barber to collect their money and unfortunately the owner was not there and they became angry and randomly shot everyone who was there.”
The community member added that the perpetrators are desperate for money since it is the festive season.
He described extortion as a serious problem in the township.
Acting Khayelitsha Sub-District Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Funeka Soldaat said the forum condemned the shooting incident, adding that it tarnished the image of Khayelitsha.
She said crime in Khayelitsha was out of control and urged whoever had information on the incident to come forward.
“It is sad that such incidents when they occur always affect innocent people, especially children. In Khayelitsha we have no place for criminals. We want the perpetrators to be brought to book. The officers mustn’t leave any stone unturned.”
Provincial police spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie confirmed the incident, saying Harare officers registered murder and attempted-murder counts and were probing the circumstances surrounding this shooting incident that had claimed the life of a 12 year old boy and wounded three others, aged between 9 and 13.
“Preliminary information reveals that three unknown suspects entered the shop and opened fire on the boys, leaving one dead and three wounded, afterwards fleeing on foot. The wounded boys were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The suspects have yet to be arrested. The motive for this heinous act forms part of ongoing investigation.”
