Elsies River community in shock after shooting claims lives of two teen boys and injures two others
Police are investigating a tragic shooting in Elsies River that claimed the lives of two boys and left four others injured.
Image: Leon Knipe
The Leonsdale community in Elsies River is grappling with the aftermath of two violent shooting incidents that resulted in the tragic deaths of two boys, aged 16 and 19, and left four others injured.
The shooting incident occurred at 19:42 on the corner of Bourne Road and Kriebos Link.
According to eyewitnesses it is alleged that a vehicle stopped in Francie van Zyl Drive and the suspects ran through the gang until they reached a corner shop where the incident happened and fired shots.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said the Elsies River police registered two counts of murder and two attempted murders following the shooting incident.
Van Wyk reported: “Two boys aged 16 and 19 were shot and fatally wounded and two females aged 12 and 63 injured. The injured victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
“According to reports SAPS members attended to a shooting incident at the mentioned address and upon their arrival they found two males on the scene. Medical personnel were already busy attending to them. Both were declared deceased on the scene due to injuries sustained.”
He added that community members also alerted police of a 12-year-old girl who sustained gunshot wounds to the hip and thigh and a 63-year-old grandmother who sustained gunshot wounds to her stomach.
Van Wyk stated: “They found the girl at a premises in Glochester Place, 15th Avenue, Leonsdale and the 63-year-old woman at a nearby hospital.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang related.”
Valhalla Park High School issued a statement saying that they strongly condemn the senseless violence that took away the lives of two young boys.
They said: “Two beautiful souls taken too soon. Your laughter, kindness, and presence brought light to those around you.
“Though you are no longer with us, your memories will forever live in our hearts. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends.”
The Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) said that the heartbreaking incident has left their community shocked and grieving.
They said: “The Elsies River Community Police Forum (CPF) wishes to express its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the young lives that were tragically lost during the shooting incident that occurred at approximately 19:30 on Wednesday, March 18, at the corner of Bourne Road and Gloucester Place in the Leonsdale area.
“No family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child in such a tragic manner.
“We also wish to extend our support to those who were injured and transported to hospital. We hope and pray for their full and speedy recovery.”
Anyone with any information about these shooting incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.