A three-month-old baby has passed away after being shot in his home in Yellowwood Street, Bonteheuwel, amid surging gang violence in the area this morning, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to reports, two gunmen entered the premises and proceeded to one of the living rooms, where one of the suspects opened fire at a female with a baby in her arms.
The attackers fled the scene. The baby boy was rushed to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Despite numerous attempts to stabilise him, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Cape {town} Etc has reached out to SAPS for further details.
In a statement extending its gratitude to the quick-acting residents who assisted in getting the baby to the hospital, local community group Fight Against Crime (FACSA) condemned a related statement made by City of Cape Town Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie regarding the incident.
‘We reject, in the strongest possible terms, the statement made by Cllr Angus McKenzie. To politicise the shooting of a baby is stomach-turning. It is disgraceful to exploit the suffering of an infant as a political football,’ the statement read.
‘When Bonteheuwel experienced periods of relative calm, the City of Cape Town was quick to claim the credit. Yet the moment shootings erupt, the very same City shifts the blame onto SAPS. This double standard is not leadership; it is cowardice.
The sentiment refers to McKenzie’s statement attributing the fatal shooting to a ‘broken policing system’.
‘This morning, our community was shaken when a three-month-old baby boy was shot and injured on Yellowwoof Street. I want to extend my deepest thanks to…those who phoned the City’s emergency number and provided me with critical information. Because of you, Metro Police and Law Enforcement have already launched a manhunt for the two suspects identified in this senseless attack,’ said McKenzie.
‘But let us be very clear: this tragedy is a direct result of a broken policing system. Yesterday, parties like the NCC, Patriotic Alliance and Al-Jama-ah voted against a motion that would have given the City greater powers to fight gangsterism through devolved policing. Their decision shows us they care nothing for the families who suffer daily on the Cape Flats.’
McKenzie went on to say that corruption and inefficiency cripples national policing and that metro agencies are equipped with powers and resources to tackle gangsterism, but that the City’s fight is ‘being blocked’.
‘A three-month-old baby paid the price today. That is the cost of standing in the way of progress and safety. We cannot and will not accept this,’ concluded McKenzie.
Continuing its statement, FACSA made mention of the swift action taken to apprehend the suspects responsible for a smash and grab incident involving DA MPS – an incident which sparked conflicting notions from the local community.
‘Let us also not forget: when DA MPs were victims of a smash and grab, suspects were arrested within hours. Meanwhile, in our communities, children are shot and families are left shattered, while leaders hide behind statements and play politics. This hypocrisy is both pathetic and insulting to those who face violence daily,’ the statement read.
‘FACSA will not allow the injury or death of our children to be used as a political shield. We demand action.’
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Picture: Yung Dtrey / Facebook
