A Leonsdale boy who was struck in the head by a stray bullet during a gang shooting has died after being declared brain dead.
The heartbroken family of 14-year-old Aljondré Byers were called to Tygerberg Hospital yesterday where he died with his parents by his side.
The Grade 6 pupil from Elswood Primary was shot on Saturday night after he had gone to the shop with his friends.
Witnesses say the boys were walking in the vicinity of 12th Avenue when shots rang out and Aljondré was hit in the head as he tried to run away.
His mom Althea was called to the scene by residents and she told the Daily Voice that she sat with her son on the backseat of a car as they rushed him to Elsies River Day Hospital.
He was transferred to Tygerberg Hospital and on Monday, residents gathered at the family’s home where they prayed for his recovery.
Aljondré was placed on life support as the bullet had lodged in his head and doctors were unable to operate until the swelling had subsided.
Althea says on Tuesday she was called to the hospital where he was declared brain dead.
“We went in and they told us he is brain dead but they did not switch the machines off. His heart was still beating but then it stopped and he died,” she says.
SAPS’ Joseph Swartbooi confirms that Elsies River Police are now investigating a murder case and says no arrests have been yet.
Ward councillor Franchesca Walker says the community is upset by Aljondré’s death.
“The community is very saddened that a young boy has lost his life in the senseless violence in Leonsdale,” she says.
“We will be consulting with the family and I have applied to the Mayoral Children’s Fund for assistance with the funeral.
“We hope justice will be served for this boy who had his whole life in front of him.”