The family of 11-year-old Duran Visagie of Kraaifontein yesterday welcomed the news that three suspects have been arrested in connection with his death.
The family was holding a memorial service for Duran, who was shot in the head during a gang-related shooting in Joseph Avenue in Scottsdene on Tuesday afternoon.
Duran, who was in Grade 5 at Brooklands Primary School in Northpine, had been on his way to the shop to buy a packet of chips and a bompie.
The boy was rushed to hospital where he was declared brain dead and his life support machines were switched off the next morning.
On Friday, three suspects, aged 17, 18, and 19, were nabbed by the Anti-Gang Unit following a tracing operation in Kraaifontein and Strand, says police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.
“They followed up information regarding suspects wanted for a Kraaifontein attempted murder case, where an 11-year-old boy was shot and wounded in Scottsdene in Kraaifontein,” he said.
He says the case docket was changed to one of murder after Duran died.
The officers subsequently arrested two suspects, aged 17 and 18.
The two were due to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court today on charges of murder, Van Wyk said.
“After thoroughly questioning the suspects, the members received information regarding the whereabouts of the murder weapon.”
The officers went to search the residence of one of the suspects’ girlfriends in Yvonne Street in Scottsdene and found the firearm allegedly used in the shooting, a 9mm Norinco pistol, with 26 rounds of ammunition, hidden underneath a wendy house.
“The girlfriend, who is 19 years old, was also arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Once charged, she will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on the mentioned charges,” Van Wyk said.
Yesterday, more than 1000 people attended the memorial in Carmen Street.
The local BMW car club and a brass band accompanied the mourners.
Duran’s hartseer mother Anthea, who is nine months pregnant with her second child, was comforted by family and friends.
As schoolmates cried inconsolably, the boy’s devastated father, Apollis Dempers, laid a cross on the spot where his son died.
His oupa, Piet Visagie, commended police for arresting the suspects so quickly: “We are very happy about the arrest and hope justice will be served for Duran.”