The family of 4-year-old Qadir Boer and the community of Hanover Park are in deep mourning after his senseless killing near his home on Wednesday.

The little boy, who was playing outside in Moray Court, was hit by stray bullets and died in the hospital early on Thursday morning.

Two 17-year-old suspects were arrested shortly after the shooting and are facing charges of murder.

The boy’s uncle, Abduragmaan Boer, told the Daily Voice that the bullet hit his brain and that the doctor called him at 2 am on Thursday to say that Qadir had passed away.

“My big brother, the father, he is beside himself; he doesn’t know whether he is coming or going.”

The Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has strongly condemned the senseless and cowardly shooting.

 “My heart breaks for the family of this young boy, and for all families who have lost children to gang violence. These thugs show a total disregard for the very communities that raised them. Our children are paying the price their callous acts.”

The child was caught in the crossfire when suspects, believed to be linked to gangs, opened fire in public.

Marais welcomed the swift action taken by the SAPS, which led to the arrest of two 17-year-old suspects shortly after the shooting.

“It is unacceptable that our children are being caught in the crossfire of gang violence. I strongly condemn this heinous act and commend SAPS for their rapid response.”

The Hanover Park Community Policing Forum’s media liaison officer, Kashiefa Mohammed, says the area should be declared a red zone as gang violence continues to plague the community.

Mohammed says the community lives in a constant state of fear, and is even too scared to leave their homes to go to the shops.