A 31-year-old man died a hero when he was shot and killed in crossfire while trying to save a boy from taxi drivers in Leiden, Delft, on Tuesday.
Heldyne Lottering was shot in the hip when he tried to prevent a taxi driver from loading a frightened boy into his van.
The teen’s hands were tied as he had apparently stolen something.
Heldyne and another woman tried to stop the driver from taking the boy and the man opened fire.
The woman was shot in the leg, but Heldyne died on the scene.
His heartbroken mother Sharon Lottering, 57, says her son celebrated his crown birthday on 31 March, just two days before the shooting.
“They came to fetch me at home to tell me my son was shot. I went and when I saw him, I called to him, but he was already gone,” says the distraught mother.
“He still had the Score energy drink he was drinking when he left home.”
Her friend Miriaam Oliver says Heldyne died in her arms.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the incident.
“A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened for investigation following a shooting incident that occurred on 2 April at about 2.45pm in Slang Street, Leiden, in Delft.
“According to reports, a 31-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded by unidentified suspects driving a Toyota Quantum.
“A 59-year-old woman was shot and wounded during this incident. Police detectives are following up on possible leads with no arrests yet.”