A Belhar family is mourning following the death of a toddler who was shot and killed by gangsters on Monday.
Two-year-old Utmaan Taliep was playing with a bicycle in his neighbour’s yard when three unknown suspects opened fire at the house on Sonata Way around 7:10pm.
The boy’s 53-year-old aunt, who asked not to be named, says after they shot the boy the skollies turned the gun on her and her mom.
“Utmaan 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 Utmaan had been hit,” the distraught vrou recalls.
“My mother and I went outside to go and 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, Utmaan’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 and waiting for an ambulance would have taken long,” the aunt says.
“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.”
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk says they are investigating a case of murder
“According to reports Belhar police members received a complaint of a shooting at Sonata Way,” he says.
“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.”
Van Wyk says the motive for the shooting may be gang related.
“Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation. Motive for the shooting is suspected to be gang related,” he adds.
“The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. 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 the investigating officer Detective Warrant Officer Bruce van Staden at Anti Gang Unit Detectives on 071 313 8147 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Utmaan’s janazah is expected to take place this afternoon.