According to Western Cape police, a man who was detained for questioning regarding the deaths of two individuals in Athlone on Friday, has been released.
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The tragic incident occurred amid intense gunfights between rival gang members, resulting in the death of a man and a 16-year-old student from Belgravia High School.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, police spokesperson, noted that the man was apprehended shortly after the fatal shooting. However, Twigg later confirmed that charges against the individual were dropped on Sunday, leading to his release.
Authorities remained silent regarding the rationale behind the dropped charges.
Friday’s events unfolded when gangs unleashed gunfire around 12:30pm, resulting in the deaths of both victims on Veld Road.
The 16-year-old Grade 11 student, identified as Zamawushe Momoti, hailed from Philippi East.
Belgravia High School took to Facebook to lament the tragic loss, revealing that Momoti was caught in the crossfire while waiting outside the school.
‘She ran back to the school, but unfortunately, she had been hit by a bullet and succumbed to her injuries. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends,’ the school said.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape education department, asserted that the teenager was purportedly struck by a stray bullet amid a resurgence of gang-related turmoil in the vicinity.
The Provincial Community Police Board expressed profound sorrow and indignation over the tragic and senseless loss of an innocent child’s life.
‘This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against criminal elements in our province. We are sickened that yet another innocent child’s life has been taken due to the actions of criminals.’
‘This is unacceptable, and we demand immediate action to address this crisis,’ said the police spokesperson, Justin Kumlehn.
The board urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to enforce a 72-hour activation plan and to activate it in every instance of an innocent child’s life being taken.
Kumlehn emphasised that all other law enforcement agencies were encouraged to offer comprehensive support and aid to SAPS, fostering a cohesive and effective approach in response to these tragic incidents.
‘We need to break the back of the criminal enterprise operating in our province and causing the tragic deaths of innocent people, including our future generation.’
‘As communities we must stand united and say, enough is enough. We will no longer be held captive and ransomed by the criminals in our midst,’ Kumlehn said.
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