The 17-year-old gunman accused of killing Gift of the Givers volunteer, Ameerodien Noordien, has been denied bail.
Police say the teen, a member of the Derwent Kids gang who cannot be named as he is a minor, appeared in Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for his bail hearing after being arrested last year.
Ameerodien, 19, 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.
A week after the shooting, co-accused Adrian Carelse, 21, handed himself over to Philippi police.
In an interview with the Daily Voice, Carelse confirmed that he is a member of the Americans gang but denied any involvement in the shooting, saying he was visiting his father in Blinkwater Court at the time of the incident.
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According to a police source, witnesses named Carelse and the 17-year-old as the shooters and three days after Carelse handed himself over, the teen was arrested.
“They were identified by witness statements. The minor is a member of the Derwent Kids, which is affiliated to the Americans gang,” the source says.
“Ameerodien lived in the Ghetto Kids turf and shortly after his death, there was a retaliation.
“The minor’s mother was told that the police feared another retaliation on him and she helped bring him in.”
Carelse later abandoned his bail application and was sent to Pollsmoor Prison.
“He has six outstanding murder and attempted murder cases and after he was arrested all those cases were transferred to the AGU,” the source adds.
During court proceedings this week the 17-year-old, who pleaded not guilty in his affidavit, was told that he had not proved exceptional circumstances for his release and was sent to the Bonnytoun Juvenile Detention Centre for the duration of his trial.
Ameerodien’s dad, Mogamat Alwie, 46, says they are happy with the outcome but are still heartbroken by his death.