The Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum has issued a desperate plea to authorities to protect children as gang violence continues to terrorise the Cape Flats.

The call comes after a six-year-old girl was struck by a stray bullet in Valhalla Park earlier today. The child, caught in the crossfire of rival gangs, was shot in the head and is now hospitalised.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says a case of attempted murder has since been launched.

“Bishop Lavis police responded to a complaint of a shooting in Eleanor Street, Valhalla Park. Upon arrival on the scene, they found a six-year-old girl who sustained a gunshot wound to her head. The victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment. According to reports, the child was caught in the crossfire when rival gangs started shooting. The suspects fled the scene and have yet to be arrested.”

Chairperson of the Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum, Graham Lindhorst, has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence.

“Since the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), crime has not subsided; in fact, we have seen an increase in fatal and mass shootings in different areas. We condemn what has happened, and we pray that the child survives this ordeal. The South African Police Service (SAPS) needs to do whatever they can to make sure that our children are always protected.”