A GRADE 7 learner from Leonsdale in Elsies River had to undergo emergency surgery after he was hit by a stray bullet in the stomach while on his way to school on Tuesday morning.
The 14-year-old boy is currently in hospital after he underwent a stoma (a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows faeces and urine to exit the body) as his vital organs were damaged during the shooting.
The youngster left his home around 7.25am on Tuesday morning op pad skool toe when unknown gunmen opened multiple shots.
When Daily Voice spoke to his father, the dad said that he and his wife were on their way back to the hospital after spending the night by hulle seun.
The father explained: “I believe he is out of danger. We do not have all the information, but it sounds verseker.
“The incident took place after 7am when he was on his way to school. He usually leaves the house around 7.25am, he was just uit die deur uit and not even two minutes later, multiple shots went off.
“One bullet struck him in the stomach. His gall bladder and organs were affected.
“Doctors had to do a stoma which means they are going to remove the affected organs and close the stomach and once the stomach is healed then they will replace his organs so that it can function properly.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that an attempted murder is under investigation.
Van Wyk reported: “Elsies River police registered an attempted murder case following a shooting incident on Tuesday morning at 7.46am on the corner of Beret and 11th Avenue, Gabba Village, Leonsdale, where a 14 year-old-boy was hit by a stray bullet. He was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
“According to reports, SAPS members received a complaint of a shooting at the mentioned address. Upon their arrival they were informed that he was already taken to the medical facility. The members went to the hospital and found the boy with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
“Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation. The motive forms part of police investigations.”
Police are appealing to anyone with information about this shooting incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.