Cape Town – Promising footballer Rimeez Caetano, 11, who was gunned down in the crossfire of a gang-related shootout in Bokmakierie on Sunday, was described as a “very good boy” at his funeral on Monday.
Rimeez, who played for FC Kapstadt, was practising outside his home in Athlone for a tournament later that day when the shooting broke out.
His neighbour, Waleed Majiet, 33, helped rush Rimeez to the hospital, but the boy died in his arms.
“We were standing around on the streets and we heard gunshots. My friend and I saw Rimeez on the floor and we quickly put him in his bakkie. On our way to Groote Schuur we tried keeping him alive but as we arrived there he was declared dead.”
Another neighbour, Felicia Skink, said she hoped the people responsible for his death were caught.
“Rimeez was a very good boy who respected everyone. He loved his soccer and I will miss him dearly.”
Cousin Shaaida Ishmail said Rimeez was a respectful, quiet and humble child.
Rimeez Caetano was shot dead in front his house in Bokmakierie. Picture: Supplied
“I am saddened by his passing. Rimeez valued his soccer and family. Children should not be caught up in these situations because they have no part to play.”
She said the family was looking forward to seeing him grow up and making something of his life.
“He was very close to his younger brother and I am sure that he will now be lonely without him.”
FC Kapstadt head coach Iekraam Abdullah, 35, described him as a boy who never had any complaints.
“He was one of the most talented players in the team and the club is devastated to hear about his loss at such a young age. He did not deserve any of this.”
Rimeez’s club mate, Benjamin Risk, was shocked by his murder.“I am depressed about the whole situation as it was very sudden. Rimeez was well respected by everyone on the team and it’s sad to hear that he was shot while practising on the streets.”
Rimeez also excelled as an academically brilliant child, and was named top maths pupil in his class. He was a Grade 6 pupil at Hazendal Primary School.
“He had so much potential and was very respectful to not only me as his teacher, but his classmates as well. I am angry at these gangsters because he was only a child,” said his teacher, Charlene Peterson.
Police are investigating a case of murder.