CAPE TOWN - As the country observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, police have launched a manhunt for the suspect behind the killing of a young woman who was shot dead while sitting in the back of the car in Hanover Park.
While the motive behind the incident in Johndown Walk remains unclear, police spokesperson FC Van Wyk said the suspect fled the scene.
“On Sunday at around 5.30am, a 21-year-old female was shot and killed in Johndown Walk Hanover Park while she was sitting in the back of a vehicle. The circumstances are being investigated,” said Van Wyk.
The incident has left residents reeling in shock, with community activist Mervyn Jacobs urging police to put more resources in searching for the suspect.
“This shocked everyone. It happened in front of children. The lady is still young and has a brighter future ahead and now all her dreams are shattered because of a person who chose to be selfish and kill her. The suspect has indirectly killed her family. Imagine as a parent you are watching your daughter grow and have dreams that one day you will attend her wedding then all of a sudden they kill her. That must be very devastating for the family. I am concerned about the children’s mental state after experiencing such a horrific incident. They need counselling. Whatever the difference they had, shooting was the last thing to do.
“It’s unfortunate that no one knows what is the reason behind the shooting. We have to watch who our children associate with,” said Jacobs.
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said more proactive approaches ought to be applied that have a 365 days a year strategic focus that would seek to protect the rights and dignity of women and children daily.
“We are deeply concerned by the high incident rate of violence that is perpetrated on women and children. 2021 marks the 30 year anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign and throughout the years the campaign has been effective in galvanising support for the plight of women and children,” said Monakali.
Meanwhile the organisation in partnership with UN Women, the Site B police in Khayelitsha and the Community Police Forum will host the #Uthuleleni Anti-GBV motorcade in Khayelitsha as part of our joint programme for the 2021 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence Against Women & Children today.
“The spike in incidents of femicide plaguing our communities is a call to action that we should not tolerate all forms of violence perpetrated on women, and we demand that stronger action be taken on perpetrators of GBVF in our communities. Ilitha Labantu strongly believes that it is through our collective effort that we can effectively address this scourge that is plaguing our homes and community,” said Monakali.
Anyone with information about the Hanover Park incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Cape Times