Seized gun linked to shooting of four-year-old on Flats

The arrest of a man in connection with the death a four-year-old victim of gang warfare on the Cape Flats “will go a long way in instilling confidence in the police”.

 That’s according to the Western Cape’s acting provincial commissioner‚ Lieutenant-General Gary Kruser‚ following the apprehension of the 40-year-old suspect in an Operation Combat sweep in Hanover Park at the weekend.

A firearm found in his possession “is believed to be the murder weapon” in the killing “of a four-year-old boy in the area on December 23”.

While the firearm is linked to the killing – the boy from Hermanus was visiting his grandmother in Hanover Park when he was caught in the crossfire between rival gangs – the police statement said only: “The suspect has been charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.”

Kruser said of Operation Combat: “The arrests send a strong message to criminals. At the same time‚ Cape Flats community feel safer with these criminals behind bars.”