Call for curfew in Hanover Park after three children shot

Crime fighters in Hanover Park have called for a curfew after three children and an adult were shot and wounded while playing outside amid a gang war in the community.

The incident took place on Tuesday at 8.30pm in Agulhas Court when six unknown gunmen opened fire on foot, wounding a 14-year-old girl, two boys, aged 10 and 16, including a 38-year-old man who were all rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Crime fighters are calling for a curfew to be put in place as shootings continue.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that Philippi police registered four counts of attempted murder.

“Reports suggest that the victims were standing in Agulhas Court in Hanover Park when six suspects on foot arrived and opened fire on them," he said.

"Four of the victims, a 14-year-old female and three males aged, 10, 16 and 38, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital by private transport.

"The circumstances and motive form part of an ongoing investigation. The suspects are yet to be arrested." 

Kashiefa Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer of the Hanover Park Community Police Forum (CPF) and crime activist, said innocent children are becoming the victims of gang warfare.

“It is a gang war in Hanover Park and these gangsters shoot any time of the day and night," she explained.

"The days and the nights are warmer and children want to play outside, but they can’t because there is shooting everyday.

"Police had to drive around and run on foot until 5.35am yesterday because they kept shooting. 

Mohammed called for a lockdown as gunfire continued in other parts of the area.

“The conflict is more about turf and drugs, so the CPF is requesting a curfew for Hanover Park," she said.

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