Marathon toddler caught in crossfire
Primrose Police said that cultural conflict resulted in the shooting where the four-year-old boy was hit by a bullet.
A shooting at the Marathon informal settlement led to the injury of Bandile Mlotshwa (4) who was hit by stray bullets on May 24.
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The child’s father, Mthobisi Mlotshwa, told GCN that his son was playing at the Marathon sports ground when a shootout erupted. His son was shot in his right and left leg.
He said the news about their son left the family devastated.
“We organised transport for him to Bertha Gxowa Hospital where he was admitted. He was later transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital where he is recovering,” said Mlotshwa last week.
“He is a playful child, like most children. He loves playing soccer,” said Mlotshwa.
He said covering transport costs has been a challenge when he had to visit his son as he has been unemployed since Covid-19 started.
“We plead with the community to assist us with any donations that can assist us to cope during these difficult times,” said Mlotshwa.
Sergeant Styles Maome, Primrose SAPS corporate communications officer said community safety stakeholders called a community meeting in an attempt to resolve issues in the community.
“Residents’ safety is our priority at all times. Two community meetings were held with the police initiating both meetings,” said Maome.
“The meetings were held back-to-back on June 1 and 2. It was established that there were two rival cultural groups allegedly involved in the shooting,” said Maome.
“Culture conflict topped the list as to the reasons for the conflict. Leaders of both groups ironed their issues out as the police facilitated the meeting. Both parties agreed to comply with the law.
The police will continue to keep an eye on the situation and arrest anyone in contradiction with the law,” he said.
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Patrick Ngobeni, Marathon street committee chairperson, also attended the meeting. He was instrumental in seeking donations for the Mlotshwa family.
“The community contributed R2 000. The funds will be used based on the family’s needs and to cover basic costs incurred from their son’s injury,” said Ngobeni.
“The meeting yielded positive responses. The leaders invited each other to a friendly soccer match that will be organised soon,” said Ngobeni.
Ngobeni told GCN that the community is faced with other crimes including business robberies.
“Sometimes we hear gunshots during the day. We urge the community to stay united and fight crime in our area on a united front,” said Ngobeni.
“The way forward is to work together to find sustainable solutions.
“The CPF is very involved with our community but we need more people. We need to re-establish our local patrol teams again,” said Ngobeni.
