Three Manenberg boys were hospitalised on Tuesday night after heartless gangsters opened fire on them while they danced in a yard.
The upset families of Niyaaz Jansen, 10, Chadley Minnaar, 16, and Giovanni Ploens, 13, say the group of friends are the latest victims of sporadic shootings in recent weeks as rival gangs continue to fight.
Chadley Minnaar, 16, one of the young victims. Picture supplied
Ouma Virginia Minnaar, 61, says she watched in disbelief as Chadley was in a pool of blood after a bullet went through his abdomen.
“They were playing in the front yard by my house after 7pm. Chadley was playing music on his phone and they were (dance) battling,” the granny says.
“I told my granddaughter to keep quiet and then I heard the first skoot(shot) go off.
“When I ran out, I saw the neighbour’s son, Giovanni, was shot in the leg and then I saw Chadley who was shot in the stomach.
“He is at Groote Schuur now and we are waiting to hear what is going to happen (with his injury).”
She says the Grade 10 pupil from Phoenix High School cried in pain as they tried to use a sheet to stop the bleeding.
Chadley’s ouma, Virginia Minnaar, with bloody sheet. Picture Monique Duval
Giovanni’s mom, Elizabeth, 58, says a bullet went through his right leg and he will undergo an operation on Thursday.
“He is lying in pain and they covered it, but told us we must go back so they can repair his leg. He is in the drum squad at Westville Primary School where he goes to school and now we don’t know what is going to happen and if his life will be the same,” she says.
Giovanni Ploens, 13, was hit in his leg. Picture supplied
Niyaaz’s dad, Hilton Jansen, 45, says he ran to the scene in Greatfish Street after neighbours told him about the shooting.
“They shot him in the right leg. I couldn’t stand seeing my child like that.
“The neighbours helped us take him to Heideveld Hospital and he is now at Red Cross.
“He will go for an operation. I am really upset with the gangsters who just shoot like that. Our children can’t even play anymore.”
Niyaaz Jansen, 10, is still in hospital. Picture supplied
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Liesel Beukes, confirms the incident and says police are now investigating an attempted murder case.
“According to reports the three children were playing in front of a house when they heard shots being fired,” she says.
“They all ran, but were struck in the incident. No arrests have been made.”