This is a media statement by Western Cape Media Centre, Corporate Communication, South African Police Service:
Hanover Park suspects arrested after two children were shot and wounded
In line with our gang strategy a full scale operation was conducted last night in the Hanover Park area after two young children were shot and wounded. The mission of the operation was clear; those responsible for these ruthless acts of violence have no place in society and must be placed behind bars.
Last night at about 18:36 rival gangs shot at each other in John Down Walk Hanover Park, and in the process two children, a 7 year old boy and a 6 year old girl were wounded. The girl sustained very serious injuries to her head and later succumbed in hospital, while the boy escaped with minor injuries. The ruthless cowards fled the scene, but shortly afterward, members of SAPS have identified the shooters and embarked on a mission, which later led to the arrest of two males aged 34 and 19 respectively. Two firearms were confiscated, a 9mm pistol and a 357 Magnum.
The suspects are detained until their court appearance, facing a murder and an attempted murder charge. We will not allow criminals to hold an entire community at ransom, and more specifically, we will not allow children to be drawn into the evil phenomena of gangsterism.