A memorial service was held at the Tygersig Primary School in Uitsig on Tuesday where the community mourned the tragic death of 12-year-old Aswin Jonas.
More than 300 people filled the school hall.
The boy was shot and killed on Saturday evening when two shooters opened fire on him and a group of boys who were taking care of cars parked outside the mosque during Taraaweh prayers.
The men had chased Aswin firing 22 shots and he was hit multiple times in front of the mosque.
Aswin’s emotional grandmother Brenda Rudolph stood on the stage as one by one, teachers, community leaders and children paid tribute.
Pastor Adam Alexander said the boy’s death was a great loss.
“We are going to bring change to our community by recognising that the community needs to change.
VICTIM: Aswin Jonas, 12, had been shot 22 times
“Any one of our children could become innocent victims in this war, but we need to stand together if we want to change things. We hope the government will help us save our children.”
On Monday, MEC for Community Safety, Albert Fritz and Social Development MEC Charna Fernandez visited Aswin’s family to give their condo-
lences.
Fernandez promised the family that her department would organise trauma counselling for the three boys who were with Aswin when he was killed, and she pledged to help the Jonas family with the
funeral arrangements.
Premier Alan Winde blamed drug abuse and gang violence: “We have seen countless children become the innocent victims of gang violence.
“I have seen first hand how drugs and alcohol ravage communities in this province and the neglect, abuse and trauma that comes with that.”
saafia.februray@inl.co.za