Girl (7) latest victim of Cape gang violence

Emaan Solomons shot while playing in her yard

A seven-year-old girl who was caught in crossfire between rival gangs in Ocean View, Cape Town, which also left a 31year-old man dead, died on Tuesday evening.

Police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said the cops responded to a shooting incident in Libra Way.

“On arrival, they discovered that a seven-year-old girl had been shot and seriously wounded.

“She was taken to False Bay Hospital by ambulance. It emerged shortly thereafter that she died on arrival at the hospital,” said Potelwa.

The girl has been identified as Emaan Solomons.

Western Cape community safety MEC Albert Fritz said she was killed while playing in her yard. Before visiting the Solomons’ family home, Fritz said the family had received trauma counselling.

“It is clear that the entire family is deeply devastated by the loss of Emaan, who was highly regarded by all,” he said.

Potelwa said a crowd who had gathered at the scene attacked the police.

As a result, public order police and anti-gang unit members were deployed to restore calm.

Once order had been restored, the police discovered that a man had also been shot dead.

“Detectives are investigating both murder cases. The investigation is also looking into the identity of the 31-year-old man,” said Potelwa.

The situation was calm yesterday morning because police officers were still patrolling the area, he added.

Fritz said he had spoken to provincial police commissioner Yolisa Matakata, who had agreed that the police anti-gang unit would be continuously deployed in the area to ensure that gang-related violence was subdued.

“I will convene a meeting with all safety stakeholders in the community, including neighbourhood watches, the police, community policing forums and others, to devise a safety plan,” said Fritz.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is requested to contact a local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“As communities, we cannot allow gangs to terrorise the innocent and vulnerable.

“We must take a stand and report known criminals,” said Fritz.