Minister Fritz condemns shooting of children and violent protest in Elsies River

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, condemns in the strongest terms the violent protest action in which a shooting took place, injuring two children, leading to the death of one. It is reported that an eight-year-old boy was shot in the chest and killed. It is further reported that a girl twelve-year-old girl was injured and transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Minister Fritz extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured young girl. A case of murder and attempted murder were registered for investigation by SAPS and the investigation is ongoing.

Minister Fritz said, “The destruction of public property and the endangering of lives is to be condemned in the strongest terms.  Protest action which is violent and unlawful is unacceptable. I call for immediate calm and stabilisation within the affected community. I have further written to National Commissioner, Khehla Sitole, requesting that an intelligence report be conducted on the spate of land invasions in the province and requested feedback on the allocation of additional Public Order Police (POPS) to the Western Cape.”

Minister Fritz added, “I have been informed by the City of Cape Town that fire was opened using live ammunition on officers during an operation in Elsies River this morning. The officers did not return fire as the shots came from a crowd of people but sought cover instead. It later emerged that two children were hit by stray bullets. The gunman was identified by the crowd but fled the scene. The matter is being investigated by the SAPS.”

Minister Fritz continued, “I further wish to condemn in the strongest the reported attack on Emergency Service (EMS) Vehicles that we have seen in past weeks. These attacks ultimately delay service delivery as EMS vehicles increasingly require police escorts and security services to attend to requests. This puts the lives of our most vulnerable people in society at further risk.”

Minister Fritz further continued, “We are not a lawless society. Anyone with information that can assist SAPS in their investigation must come forward and report those who wish to undermine peace and stability of our communities. Anyone with any information which could assist SAPS in their investigation should contact the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer Carmen Prins on 060 582 8496 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”