A wave of grief has washed over the Delft community following the tragic shooting death of 18-year-old Bronwin van Willigh on Wednesday evening. The Grade 11 Delft High School pupil was gunned down while simply buying bread for her grandmother, leaving her family devastated and the community reeling.
The incident unfolded shortly before 9pm on Junker Street in The Hague, Delft. Bronwin’s father, Peter Olivier, recounted the horrific events: "The shooting happened just before 9pm in our road. She went to the shop to buy bread for her ouma and was standing at the shop when a car came and the people in the car started shooting. We don't know if they were shooting at other people or at the shop but she was hit. When we arrived on the scene she already passed on and we couldn't even say goodbye."
The family's anguish is palpable, their loss compounded by the sudden and senseless nature of Bronwin's death.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed the details of the shooting, stating: “Delft police are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident on 8 January at 8.50pm at premises in Junker Street, The Hague, where an 18-year-old female was shot and fatally wounded. According to reports, SAPS members on duty attended to a complaint at the mentioned address and on arrival found the victim lying in the street with a gunshot wound to the back.”
Captain van Wyk detailed the subsequent police investigation, revealing that the vehicle used in the shooting was later found abandoned.
He added: “Further investigation on the scene indicated that there was a car involved which was found abandoned. It was later discovered that the vehicle was hijacked in Bishop Lavis in July 2024. This vehicle was handed in as exhibit and processing. No arrest has been made as yet, investigations continue.”
The discovery of the hijacked vehicle suggests a possible link to organised crime, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
The loss of Bronwin has left an immeasurable void in her family's lives. Mr Olivier described his daughter as a "lively meisie with big dreams," adding: "We are really struggling and we are very hartseer. Bronwin was a lively meisie with big dreams. She loved to make TikTok videos and was going to start Grade 11 at Delft High School next week. She had big dreams of one day becoming a pilot.”
Her aspirations, now tragically cut short, serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime.
The incident has also highlighted the escalating crime rate in the Delft area. Jacky Ockhuizen of the Delft Community Police Forum (CPF) reported a grim statistic: “The CPF condemns this shooting and no words can bring back loved ones. The station commander has vowed to catch the perpetrators and we expect an arrest soon. There have been eight murders since the start of 2025.”
This statistic underscores the urgent need for increased police presence and community initiatives to address the root causes of violence in the area.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The community mourns the loss of a bright young life, while simultaneously grappling with the fear and uncertainty that violent crime brings.
