A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the murder of Belhar toddler who was shot and killed while playing with his neighbour’s bicycle.
The teen was busted in Hout Bay on Wednesday, a day after two-year-old Uthmaan Taliep was laid to rest.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says the teen, who is possibly linked to another shooting incident in the area, will appear in court once he has been charged.
“Members followed up several leads in the murder case of the two-year-old boy who was shot and killed in Belhar, which led them to Hout Bay where the suspect was arrested,” says Van Wyk.
“He can possibly be linked to another shooting incident in Belhar. Investigations continues. He is due to appear in court once charged.”
Uthmaan’s family held his janaazah at his Adam Tas Avenue home on Tuesday, a day after three suspects opened fire at the house next door to his ouma’s Sonata Way home.
The boy’s 53-year-old aunt, who asked not to be named, says since the shooting, the Anti-Gang Unit has been visible in the area.
“This is bringing comfort to the family that the police are actually investigating the case,” says the aunt.
“The police have been driving up and down the area.”
The distraught aunt tells the Daily Voice that the night Uthmaan was killed, she was almost shot by the suspects.
“Uthmaan was playing next door when he was shot, the bullets struck him in the ear and thigh.
“His father, who was present when the shooting happened, shouted that Uthmaan had been hit.
“My mother and I went outside to see how we could assist and the suspects shot at us and we ran back into the house.”
When it was safe to do so, Uthmaan’s mom took him to the fire station.
“He was still breathing at the time, all she thought of was to take him to people who could help. Waiting for an ambulance would have taken long.
“When we got to the fire station, we were told that he had passed on.
“We are really saddened by all of this and it has left us fearing for our lives, as we don’t know if they will come back and shoot at us.”
Van Wyk says: “According to reports, Belhar police members received a complaint of a shooting at Sonata Way.
“At the scene, they were informed that the victim was already taken to the fire station for medical attention.
“The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his face.
“He was declared deceased by ambulance personnel.
“Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation. Motive for the shooting is suspected to be gang-related.
“The suspects fled the scene.
“The Anti-Gang Unit members were deployed to the affected area and forces will remain on the ground until we are satisfied that calm has been restored.”
Anyone with any information can contact Detective Warrant Officer Bruce van Staden at Anti-Gang Unit Detectives, on 071 313 8147 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.