5-year-old boy declared brain dead after being shot in the head by a gang bullet (SEE PHOTOS)

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Manenberg – A five-year-old boy, Ameer Abrahams, lies in a critical condition at Red Cross Children’s Hospital after being struck by a stray bullet during a gang shooting on Monday evening.

The incident, which occurred shortly before 7 pm in Irvine Street, has left the community of Manenberg reeling in shock and grief. Ameer, who was due to start Grade R next week, was walking to a local shop with his father and eight-month-old sister when the shooting erupted.

PANIC: Ameer ran into nearby yard

A 38-year-old relative, who requested anonymity, described the horrific scene: “He was walking with his father and his eight-month-old sister to the shop when the shooting started. He ran to a neighbour's home and collapsed in the yard and that is when everyone realised he was shot in the head.” Panic ensued as residents rushed to the child's side, finding him lying in a pool of blood.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident, stating: “During the shooting two women aged 31 and 54 and a five-year-old boy were shot and wounded. According to reports, the two women were sitting in front of the mentioned address and the five-year-old boy was walking with his father towards a nearby tuckshop, when they were caught between crossfire, hitting the boy in the head and the women in the thigh and lower back respectively, by stray bullets. Motive is believed to be gang related. The suspects fled on foot. No arrests have been made.”

EMERGENCY: Ameer was rushed to hospital

Ameer underwent emergency surgery to remove the bullet from his head. The relative explained the subsequent events: "The doctors were able to remove the bullet from his head but are now monitoring the swelling of his brain.”

However, the family’s hopes were dashed on Tuesday afternoon when doctors informed them that Ameer had been declared brain dead.

The relative shared the family’s heartbreak: “The doctors told us that he is breathing on his own and they will assess him on Wednesday morning to establish if they will switch the machines off. Ameer was supposed to start Grade R at Manenberg Primary next week and was very excited. As a family we are devastated and we are making duas. He is such a sweet and talkative child we called him ‘bubblebekkie’. He was so excited to start school next week and now he is in the hospital fighting for his life.”

INVESTIGATING: Cops on scene

The senseless violence has ignited outrage within the community. Vernon Visagie, chairperson of the Community Police Forum, expressed the community’s anger and frustration: "It was such a senseless act to gun down a child. This incident has traumatised the community and something must be done about the gang violence we cannot go on like this."

The incident highlights the devastating impact of gang violence on innocent civilians, particularly children, and underscores the urgent need for effective intervention strategies to address the escalating problem of gang-related crime in Manenberg and other affected communities.

The family’s plea for prayers and the community's collective grief serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked violence. The ongoing investigation into the shooting is crucial to bringing those responsible to justice and preventing future tragedies.


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