Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the arrest of a suspect in the tragic stray bullet death of scholar Firdous Kleinsmidt.
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Kleinsmidt, a 12-year-old learner at Ieglaasi Nieyah Primary School in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, was killed while on school property as she waited for her transport on Tuesday.
‘This is a most heartbreaking tragedy of a 12-year-old child killed while simply waiting outside her school for her transport home. What her family is going through is indescribable, and I extend my deepest condolences and my personal prayers to them.’
‘It is vital for the criminal justice system to send the strongest possible message to gangsters: that there will be convictions and justice for those responsible for this innocent life lost.’
‘I welcome the arrest made by SAPS in this matter, and call for the swift apprehension of others linked to this killing,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
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Mayor Hill-Lewis says the SAPS can be assured of the City’s full support in bringing these criminals to book.
The murder has also prompted ANC MP Faiz Jacobs to call for increased public safety measures.
The area is currently a red zone as war has erupted between rival gangs.
The learner’s death has sparked outrage, and Jacobs believes it serves as a reminder of the pressing issues of crime and gangsterism.
‘In this challenging time, we must come together as a community and take action to address the rising crime and gangsterism in our area, especially Mitchells Plain and the Greater Cape Flats,’ he told IOL, urging police to intensify their efforts to ensure the safety of our neighbourhoods and schools.
‘We call on the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) to mobilise for the safety of our learners, as the local councillors, the provincial MEC, and Premier Winde are failing our children. One life is a life too many,’ Jacobs said.
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On Wednesday, the Grade 7 student was laid to rest according to Muslim customs, and hundreds of people attended her janazah (funeral) to pay their final tribute.
Police confirmed they had made an arrest during her funeral.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the Western Cape provincial police spokesperson, stated that members of the Anti-Gang Unit were able to track down and apprehend the suspect.
Detective Sergeant Bradley Schuurman was praised for his ‘brilliant’ work in apprehending the 27-year-old suspect, who was arrested on a murder charge on Wednesday afternoon in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court today.
Also read:
12-year-old girl fatally shot while waiting for school transport
Picture: Max Kleinen/Unsplash