Police in Cape Town are hunting for a suspect after a 16-year-old school girl was shot and killed by a stray bullet. The incident happened at the gate of Belgravia High School in Vlei Road in Athlone on 19 April around 12:30pm.
It is alleged that gangsters were shooting randomly in the area when the girl was caught up by a bullet. The incident happened after the suspected gangsters shot and killed a 20-year-old man not far from the school.
Police spokesman Colonel Andre Traut said police are on the hunt for the shooters who disappeared from the scene after killing the girl. Traut said the innocent girl was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
“The Athlone community is encouraged to assist police with information that will deliver the suspects who are responsible for an incident which claimed the life of an innocent school girl this afternoon. With scant regard for the lives of others, rival gangs fired several shots randomly at around 12:30, killing a 20 year old man in Canal Road Athlone. A 16 year old girl who was standing at the gates of Belgravia High School in Vlei Road was caught in the crossfire and sustained a fatal gunshot wound,” said Traut.
MEC for Police Oversight in Western Cape Reagan Allen said it is heartbreaking to have kids killed at school.
“I am outraged that a young girl was killed in what is deemed to be gang crossfire. My sincere condolences goes to the family, loved ones, school community and friends of this 16-year old who lost her life in this senseless manner. I want these heartless killers off our streets and behind bars,” he added.