A week of brutal attacks on children across Cape Town has left at least six young victims dead or critically injured, prompting outrage from communities and civil organisations.
Among them was nine-year-old Zechariah Matthee, killed during a mass shooting in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain last week. Two young adults, aged 25 and 30, also died in the attack.
Action Society has been mandated by Zechariah’s family to monitor the investigation.
“This tragedy is another heartbreaking example of how children in gang-affected communities are left unprotected while violent criminals operate with impunity. We will actively monitor the investigation and push for accountability,” said Head of Action Centre Kaylynn Palm.
Violence occured throughout the province, In Kensington, 14-year-old Alnika Mitchell was shot dead in her yard while watching matric celebrations. In Cloetesville, a four-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy were struck by bullets when gunmen targeted an adult man nearby. The girl remains in critical condition.
“Children in the Western Cape are being gunned down in their homes, yards and streets. We need specialised policing with real resources and real accountability,” said Palm.
The GOOD Party described the incidents as a “week of terror” for Cape Town’s children.
“To have several children attacked, wounded or murdered in just a few days is a moral collapse. These are shattered futures and devastated families,” said the GOOD Party’s Councillor Jonathan Cupido.
“Our children deserve to grow up safe and free from daily terror,” Cupido added.
They are calling for swift arrests, strong prosecutions, increased visible policing, and investment in social programmes to address the root causes of violence
Photo: Supplied
