A HANOVER Park mom says nothing will stop her from fighting for justice for her murdered son.
Police have made a breakthrough in the senseless murder of Lushaan Hendricks, 16, who was gunned down on 18 December 2025 in Surran Road, Hanover Park in the crossfire of a gang shooting.
Lushaan was an innocent Grade 9 learner at Crystal High School and was laid to rest on 27 December. He is also the son of crime fighter Melanie Hendricks who is demanding justice for her son.
Two suspects aged 22 and 33 were arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder and made their first appearance at the Athlone Magistrate Court on 30 December 2025.
The pair is set to make their second appearance on 19 January for a formal bail application.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed:” Be advised that two suspects aged 22 and 33 were arrested for murder and attempted murder on 22 December 2025. They appeared in the Athlone Magistrates court and their next court appearance will be on 2026-01-19.”
Hundreds of residents and crime activists are rallying behind crime fighter Melanie Hendricks to oppose bail for the accused.
A petition with over 500 signatures has been distributed for the suspects to remain in custody until trial.
A grieving Melanie told Daily Voice that although she lost her 16-year-old, she welcomed new life on 29 December but said she will not back down until justice prevails.
Melanie explained: “I’m happy that they’ve been arrested. It’s hard, very hard. I had no time to grieve because it all came at once. My daughter is not taking it well and has been hospitalised three times since my son’s death. I went into labour at my son's funeral. I was 3cm for two days and only gave birth on 29 December.
“They don’t deserve to see daylight again; they don’t deserve any type of happiness. They didn’t just kill my child, they killed me.
“These scumbags kill and walk past that mother and families like it’s nothing.
“No one is going to walk past me in the road, they will pay for my child’s life. This scum held us hostage long enough, they’ve gotten away with it because our people are so scared.
“I’m not scared, I've got no fear in me.
"They need guns, drugs to show their strength but we as a community are stronger. There are so many mothers whose children were killed that reached out to me. I will never be quiet, I will not be silenced because that was my child. I will fight for justice with everything in me. I've got no fear.”