The community of Bonteheuwel has been left outraged after a three-month-old baby was shot on Friday morning. 

The baby boy was shot in Yellowwood Street when gunmen entered a home and opened fire.  

While the child was rushed to the hospital for medical care, he was declared dead hours later due to the injuries sustained. 

Police have confirmed they are now investigating a case of murder and attempted murder. 

Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie, praised brave residents who immediately jumped in and rushed the child to the hospital. He also thanked those who phoned the City’s emergency number and informed him. 

“Because of you, Metro Police and Law Enforcement have already launched a manhunt for the two suspects identified in this senseless attack,” McKenzie said. 

He said that on Thursday, political parties voted against the devolving of policing in the province, and this incident proves why it’s needed. 

“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.

“While corruption and inefficiency cripple national policing, the City of Cape Town continues to equip Metro Police and Law Enforcement with the powers and resources to take on gangs head-on. But our fight is being blocked by those who would rather play politics than protect our children. 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,” McKenzie said. 

McKenzie confirmed the matter was gang-related. 

“The father was targeted by the rival gang and was holding the baby in his arms when he was shot,” he said. 

The Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed the incident and said the gunmen entered a home to shoot at their target.

“Reports suggested two unidentified armed males entered the premises and proceeded to one of the living rooms. One of the men fired a gunshot in the direction of a female with a baby,  leaving the three-month-old boy with serious injuries. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The unidentified suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is believed to be gang-related. Bishop Lavis police are investigating two counts of attempted murder,” Swartbooi said. 

The circumstances are being investigated, and police are making a public appeal for any information to be reported anonymously to Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or the mobile application MySAPS.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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