A senseless act of violence has left a Gauteng community reeling after a six-year-old boy was tragically killed during a robbery at a McDonald's restaurant in Brickfield, Meadowdale on Friday night. The incident, which has sparked outrage and renewed calls for increased security measures, unfolded at the restaurant's drive-thru.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, three suspects were involved in the crime. Two of the robbers entered the McDonald's and stole an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.
"It is alleged that while they were robbing the store, a third suspect who was driving a getaway car approached a vehicle at the drive-through with the father, mother and their six-year-old son inside. He robbed them of their belongings and fired a shot at their car before instructing them to drive off," explained Colonel Nevhuhulwi.
The family, unaware of the severity of the situation, continued driving home. It was only later that they realised the boy had been shot and immediately rushed him to hospital. Sadly, their efforts were in vain, and the child was pronounced dead. A case of murder and business robbery has been opened, but no arrests have been made yet, said Colonel Nevhuhulwi.
The Bedfordview community policing forum (CPF) is actively assisting the police investigation. They have confirmed that security companies are reviewing available CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the innocent child whose life was cut short by this senseless shooting," the CPF stated.
McDonald's has also released a statement expressing their profound sorrow and offering their full cooperation to the authorities. Daniel Padiachy, McDonald's chief marketing officer, said: "This is a devastating moment for the family, our team, and the broader community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of a child during the incident is heartbreaking for the franchise. We are treating this matter with the utmost sensitivity and care. Our team is fully cooperating with the authorities to support their investigation and ensure that justice is served."
This tragic incident follows a similar crime in September last year, where an 11-year-old girl, Zarah Ramsamy, was killed during a carjacking at a McDonald's in Malvern, Durban. She was tragically run over as the family's vehicle was hijacked in the parking lot. Despite being rushed to hospital, she was declared dead on arrival. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the hijacked vehicle was recovered, but the perpetrators remain at large.
