Teenager charged with murder and attempted murder in Atlantis shooting

A 14-year-old boy has been denied bail after he was arrested and charged with the murder of a 31-year-old man and attempted murder of a four-year-old child in Atlantis .

The teen, who cannot be named because he is a minor, made an appearance at the Atlantis Magistrates’ Court this week, where the state led a successful opposition of his release on bail.

The state is set to prove that the teen, who was allegedly armed with a firearm, shot and killed the man and wounded the toddler, on Tuesday in Hoop Crescent, Saxonsea in Atlantis.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie explained: “Police members and detectives worked tirelessly and traced a 14-year-old suspect within two hours after perpetrating a murder and an attempted murder on September 3 at 07:30 in Hoop Crescent, Saxonsea in Atlantis.

“Initial reports suggest that a 31 year old man was fatally shot while a four year old toddler was wounded by an unknown male suspect. The toddler was rushed to Red Cross hospital where she is in a critical, yet stable condition.

“The 14- year-old suspect appeared in the Atlantis Magistrates’ court, where bail was successfully opposed and denied. He remained in custody until his next court appearance.”

Crime activist and whistle blower, Zona Morton expressed the need for support for teens at risk

“While I commend SAPS making an arrest  so speedily, as a child rights defender I have to raise my concerns,” she stated.

“This minor was dismally failed by the system. 

“Whilst he should have been assisted with his behavioural challenges the Department of Basic Education expelled him. He was tossed away . What were Social Development interventions?”

Siya Monakali,  of the organisation which advocates for the rights of women and children said they were also concerned.

“South Africa cannot ignore the reality that the perpetrators of violence are getting younger, a reality that reflects systemic failures to protect, guide, and empower our children,” he stated.

The incident comes just weeks after MPs Ian Cameron, Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa Shickerling were allegedly attacked by a 16-year-old youth and an 18-year-old man in Philippi while attending an oversight visit at the police’s training college.

Last week, a 15-year-old male and his co-accused were arrested and charged with the murder of a police officer in Beaufort West.

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