Cape Town Pledges Full Support to SAPS After Toddler Shot in Manenberg

by Hope Ngobeni

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The City of Cape Town has pledged its full support to the South African Police Service (SAPS) following a tragic incident in which a five-year-old boy was shot in Manenberg on the Cape Flats on Monday. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his deep condemnation of the attack, which has left the child critically injured. “Our hearts go out to the affected family, and we pray for the full recovery of the five-year-old boy as well as the two women injured in the crossfire,” said Hill-Lewis. His words reflect the widespread shock and sadness surrounding the incident, which occurred in a neighborhood all too familiar with the scourge of gang violence.

The child, who was walking to a local tuckshop with his father, sustained a gunshot wound to the head after gangsters opened fire in the area. The boy, along with two women, was caught in the crossfire. The shooting has once again highlighted the dangers faced by residents of Manenberg, a community that has long struggled with gang violence, drug trafficking, and the daily fear of crime. In response to the attack, Hill-Lewis reiterated the City’s commitment to assisting SAPS in its investigation, offering resources including technology investments like gunshot detection systems. “It can never be acceptable that children are not able to walk safely to a local tuckshop with a parent,” he emphasized.

The City’s support extends beyond words. Hill-Lewis announced that Cape Town’s technological resources, such as gunshot detection technology and surveillance cameras, would be deployed to assist SAPS in identifying those responsible for the shooting. The City has invested heavily in safety technology, including CCTV and automatic number plate recognition, all of which are designed to combat gang violence and reduce crime in high-risk areas like Manenberg. “This is why it is our goal to do everything possible to help SAPS fight gang, gun, and drug crime in particular,” the Mayor added.

In addition to these technological resources, the City is also working closely with local residents. JP Smith, the Mayor’s committee member for safety and security, revealed that he has been in contact with members of the Manenberg community, who have come forward with information about the incident. These brave residents, who have provided crucial details about the attack, will be assured that their identities will remain confidential. Smith expressed his gratitude to those who spoke out, reinforcing the City’s commitment to ensuring their safety. “I am grateful for their courage in being willing to speak up,” Smith said.

The City’s investment in safety technology has proven effective in past cases, with tools like gunshot detection and aerial surveillance helping to recover illegal firearms and support investigations that lead to successful convictions. Smith emphasized that, through these systems, Cape Town is better equipped to assist SAPS in preventing further violence and bringing perpetrators to justice. “Through these investments, the City is able to recover hundreds of illegal firearms annually and support SAPS investigations,” he explained. These efforts are vital in the ongoing fight against crime, particularly in areas plagued by gang violence.

The tragic incident has taken a devastating toll on the community. The five-year-old boy, who was due to start Grade R next week, has been declared brain-dead by doctors at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. The news has left the community reeling, with many expressing outrage and sadness over the senseless violence. As of now, no arrests have been made, but authorities remain determined to track down those responsible. The City’s commitment to supporting SAPS and leveraging its resources continues as they work toward justice and, ultimately, a safer community for all.

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