Non-profit organisation, Ilitha Labantu, says the recent murder of an 11-year-old girl in Kraaifontein is a stark reflection of the deepening crisis of gang violence that continues to claim the lives of children and young people across our communities.
According to police reports, 11-year-old Esmine Franke was playing outside a house in Mti Street, Wallacedene, on Tuesday evening when she was hit by a stray bullet. She died on the scene. An 8-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man were also shot and wounded.
Police Captain F.C. Van Wyk says the motive for this incident is believed to be gang-related. Kraaifontein police registered a case of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The Anti-Gang Unit arrested a 26-year-old man in Wallacedene on Wednesday for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Police recovered a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, along with 11 rounds of ammunition, during an early-morning raid at a premises in Mapongwana Street.
It is believed that the weapon was used in the fatal shooting incident. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bluedowns Magistrates’ Court soon.
Organisation spokesperson, Siyabulela Monakali, says such gang violence is not an isolated incident, adding that families and communities will continue to live in fear if this crisis is not addressed.
“That an 11-year-old girl could lose her life while playing outside her home highlights the failure of our society to safeguard its most vulnerable members,” added Monakali
In a statement, Monakali added that such gang violence thrives in conditions of poverty and inequality and is perpetuated by systemic failures to dismantle criminal networks, provide meaningful alternatives for young people, and deliver policing that is effective and trusted by the communities it is meant to protect.
“Until these failures are addressed, children will continue to be killed, families will continue to grieve, and communities will continue to live under constant threat.”
The school where the 11-year-old girl attended, Joostenberg Primary School, paid tribute to Esmine, saying that she always wore a smile on her face and had the softest, caring heart for her friends and those around her.
Police have called on anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. Information will be treated as highly confidential
READ MORE: 11-year-old killed in suspected gang shooting in Kraaifontein
