It’s been another bloody week on the Cape Flats, two more young boys have fallen victim to violence and crossfire. Condolences are pouring in for the family of 17-year-old Nathaniel Abrahams who died from gunshot wounds to the head on Thursday, July 2. The incident took place in Bonteheuwel, on the corner of Netreg and Mahogany Roads.
Abrahams was a pupil at Arcadia High School. Police spokesperson Mihlali Majikela confirmed a case of murder has been open for investigation, but no arrests have yet been made.
“I’m really sad for the killing of a young man named Nathaniel Abrahams, he was a great guy with a bright future. Always respectable, always helpful, my prayer is that the one responsible for his passing would come to the salvation in Jesus Christ. May God lead him to the cross and use his life for His glory,” said one Bonteheuwel resident on Facebook.
“The death of Nathaniel has shocked the community,” says Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor, Angus McKenzie. “But I think, more than shocked, the positive in the murder is that it brings this community together.”
McKenzie says there have been a number of murders in the past few months, but the community unifies as the shock of each murder wears off. “When people are unified, we see that they work in partnership with law enforcement and the rate of murder decreases. This has happened periodically over the past two years. However, this does not take away the pain Nathaniel’s family is feeling.”
In another incident, a shocking video of a gang member gunning down an 11-year-old was shared on social media on Sunday, July 5. In the video, you can see a man in yellow firing shots, then a child lying in blood on the road while the community reels in anguish. The child was rushed to hospital.
A 33-year-old man was later arrested for attempted murder. Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said, it is reported that there was a stone throwing incident between local gangs, and this led to the shooting incident.
“He [the 11-year-old boy] was transported to hospital for treatment. A 33-year-old man was arrested and once charged for attempted murder, he will appear in court,” she said.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Warning, the content is quite graphic:
Picture: Proudly Bonteheuwel/Facebook