Toddler, 4, shot in head in Hanover Park

A TODDLER is fighting for his life after being shot in the face in the crossfire of a shootout between two rival gangs in Hanover Park on Wednesday.

Hanover Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) spokesperson Kashiefa Mohammed told the Daily Voice that the 4-year-old boy was rushed to Red Cross Memorial Children's Hospital following the shooting.

Mohammed said: “He was shot in the head and the bullet went right through at Moray Court, but he is still alive. They stabilised him at Hanover Park Day Hospital and then rushed him with an ambulance to Red Cross.

“He was caught in a crossfire when two rival gangs the Ghetto Kidz and Incredibly Gifted Bastards (IGB) were shooting at each other.”

She added that the community are gatvol of the ongoing shootings happening in the area, saying that children can’t even play outside.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “Philippi police has increased visibility in and around Moray Court, Hanover Park following a shooting incident this afternoon (Wednesday, 2025-10-08) at 14:30 at the mentioned address, where a four year old boy was shot and injured. 

“The injured victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.”

He added that circumstances surrounding the incidents are under investigation and cops attached to the Philippi police station registered an attempted murder case for investigation.

Cops announced just before 6pm on Wednesday that they had made arrested two teens in connection with the shooting

Spokesperson Andre Traut said: "Swift and decisive action by members of the South African Police Service led to the arrest of two 17-year-old suspects shortly after the incident. The pair are currently in custody and will appear in court once they have been charged.

"The Western Cape police management has expressed outrage at the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gangsterism and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Focused policing operations continue to be conducted across identified hotspots to clamp down on those who perpetuate violence and disregard for human life.

"The SAPS calls on the community to work closely with law enforcement by sharing information that can assist in ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts are brought to justice."

Anyone with more information is requested contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Xolani Baso on 082 469 6534 or 021 690 1516 alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.