Girl, 16, dies in school gang shooting
Police are investigating the death of a Grade 11 schoolgirl who was shot at Belgravia High School during gang violence in Athlone last week.
Zamawushe Momoti, 16, was walking to her school transport to go home last Friday at 12.30pm when the shooting started, and she was hit by a stray bullet. She ran back to the school buildings to seek cover and collapsed, says Athlone police spokesperson Sergeant Zita Norman.
The shooting - believed to have been between members of the Fancy Boys and Young Americans gangs - also claimed the life of an 18-year-old man, and a 28-year-old man was shot in the stomach. Both are suspected gang members.
The driver of a white Quantum taxi that was reportedly linked to Zamawushe’s shooting was arrested later in the day, according to Sergeant Norman.
“We have activated a 72-hour plan in which we’ve increased patrols in the Vlei and Belgravia Estate. There is heavy police presence. The Anti-Gang Unit has also been deployed to the area. We are urging residents to report anything suspicious,” she said.
Western Cape Education Department spokeswoman Bronagh Hammond said: “This is a tragic and horrific incident, and our condolences go to the family, friends and the school community.”
Belgravia High School said in a statement on Facebook that all affected pupils and staff would get counselling.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. We will keep you in our prayers. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement said.
A day earlier, at 8am, police were alerted to a shooting in Voel Street, Vygieskraal, where officers found the body of a man who had been shot several times.
Sergeant Norman said the man’s death was linked to the ongoing gang war between the Fancy Boys and Young Americans.
Later, at 6pm, a 34-year-old man died and two other men, aged 21 and 23, were wounded in a drive-by shooting on the corner of Veld and Canal roads, in Vygieskraal. Sergeant Norman said all three men were Young Americans gang members.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Leroy Cupido on 021 697 9238/39.
