The family of a three-year-old boy, who was shot and killed by a masked gunman, says President Cyril Ramaphosa has blood on his hands after he lifted the ban on alcohol and “allowed gangsters to roam free” during Level 3 regulations.
Little Liam Petersen was dancing and playing outside his home in Tafelberg Road, Hillview, just before 6pm on Monday when a gunman opened fire on him and his 26-year-old father, who was standing nearby talking to a friend.
The father, who asked not to be identified, was shot in both legs while a third bullet grazed the side of his stomach.
INNOCENT: Liam Petersen, 3, was killed
Speaking to the Daily Voice after being discharged from hospital on Tuesday, the dad says he tried to shield his son with his body.
“I was standing in the yard with a friend and Liam was dancing,” explains the dad who now needs crutches to walk.
“Liam’s mother was preparing his and his four-year-old brother’s clothing for their bathtime.
“I heard the dogs barking and I saw someone coming around the corner.
“As the first shot went off, I jumped to lie over Liam to protect him.
“I thought this person would stop shooting. I shouted to him, ‘why are you shooting here? I am not a gangster’.
“When I got up, I could feel something warm on my hands.
“That was when I realised Liam was shot.”
INCIDENT: Shooting at Tafelberg Road, Hillview
The child was rushed to Retreat Day Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Liam’s bereaved mother, 31, cried: “Why did they have to shoot my child? I want to leave this place, I cannot take it anymore.”
The toddler’s angry ouma, 47, says President Ramaphosa has blood on his hands: “I blame the president. We were on lockdown, obeying the rules and everything was quiet.
Liam’s bereaved mother. Video: Genevieve Serra
This place was quiet even during Level 4, and now look how the gangsters have come out (during Level 3) and shot our baby.”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa says that no arrests have been made yet: “The investigation is pursuing various possibilities, including that the incident could be gang-related.”
