The grieving family of murdered Hanover Park teen, Ameerodien Noordien, 19, are demanding justice as his two alleged killers appear in Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday.
A day after a Hanover Park skollie handed himself over to police for the murder, cops arrested another 17-year-old suspect believed to be involved in the shooting.
Ameerodien, a volunteer for the Gift of the Givers, died in his father’s arms after he was caught in crossfire during a gang shooting in Surwood Walk on 5 October.
His death sparked widespread cries for police intervention and, within days, Police Minister Bheki Cele deployed his new Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) in the area.
According to a police source, Surwood Walk forms part of Ghetto Kidz’ “territory” and members of the Americans gang were believed to be behind Ameerodien’s shooting.
“Two days after his murder, the Ghettos retaliated by going to shoot on the Derwent Kidz, who are affiliated to the Americans, but they were waiting for them and killed a Ghetto named Ossie instead,” says the source.
On Thursday, a 21-year-old man who is a member of the Americans gang, handed himself over at Philippi Police Station.
SUSPECT: One of two alleged killers set to appear at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday
He told the Daily Voice he had been informed cops were looking for him but said he was not in Surwood Walk on the night of the shooting.
He claims residents wrongly identified him as the shooter.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa says the second suspect was arrested during an operation by the new unit in Athburg Walk on Friday.
The 17-year-old, who is allegedly a member of the Derwent Kidz gang, which is affiliated to the Americans, will appear alongside his co-accused innie hof today on murder charges.
During the same operation, the unit arrested seven wanted suspects for various crimes including robbery, theft and possession of drugs.
“The new unit, led by Major-General Andre Lincoln, will officially be launched on 1 November and are set to continue in other areas as dictated by crime patterns and trends,” says Potelwa.
Hartseer dad, Mogamat Alwie, 46, says while the family are happy arrests have been made, they will not attend court.
“We want justice for Ameerodien, but we can’t stand going to look at them in court,” he said yesterday.
“They have taken away a good laaitie and we are feeling the loss.
“He did lots of things to help his family and did everything for his mommy (Fatiema), who is very sick.
“We are happy they are arrested and want the law to take its course, but we cannot look at the people who killed him.”
monique.duval@inl.co.za