A Cape Town community took to the streets in protest after a teenage girl was caught in gang crossfire on Tuesday as the scourge of gangsterism continues to ravage across parts of Cape Town.
Aqeelah Schroeder, aged 15 years old, was gunned down on Women’s Day, 9 August.
According to police spokesperson Captain Frederick, the teenager was walking to a shop in Delft when she was caught in a crossfire between rival gangs.
SAPS officers responded to a complaint from radio control. Upon arrival at the scene, they “found the victim laying on the ground on her stomach with a gunshot wound on her right shoulder,” says Van Wyk.
Schroeder was taken to the nearest hospital facility for urgent medical attention but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
No arrests were made but a murder case is currently being investigated.
“The suspect or suspects fled the scene on foot,” Van Wyk added.
This incident comes as a harrowing reminder of a similar incident that occurred just over a year ago in which a 13-year-old girl, her father, and two other victims were killed in a shooting spree in Delft, on the corner of Sabi and Umvoti streets.
Similarly, the 13-year-old and her father were at a local spaza shop when shooting began between two rival gangs.
As reported by News 24, distraught members of the Delft community including the neighbourhood watch and pupils of the areas expressed their exasperation towards the current conditions as they marched from Schroeder’s school to her home on Wednesday.
Michelle Adonis, the community’s ward councilor explained that the march was aimed at their local police, petitioning for increased increased investigation work, visible policing, and protection against gang activity.
“Our communities are being kept hostage. They are too afraid for their kids to be outdoors. Community members fear for the lives of their children. Too many people fall victim [to gang violence],” said Adonis.
At the forefront of the march was the shocked and devastated mother and sister of Schroeder, still trying to come to terms with their loss who are urging the police to catch her killers as soon as possible.
Speaking about the community’s condition, an anonymous resident fearing for their life told IOL that the community has been left “on their own” to endure the ravaging gang violence.
“These gangs do not care. They just shoot. I have also been a victim of a crossfire more than once in this area and where I previously lived.”
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery