Toddler injured in gang shooting

Three people, including a boy aged three, were wounded in the latest gang shooting in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas.

Four people have been killed in separate shootings – mainly in the Helenvale area – since last week.

The latest shooting took place at 11.15am in Stag Street on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said two men, aged19 and 22, had been standing on the corner of Elk and Stag streets when a lone gunman began firing.

“He fired several shots at them, and continued shooting as they fled down Stag Street.

“One bullet hit a boy aged three in the cheek. He had been playing outside.

“The men who were shot at were wounded in the leg, buttocks and hands.”

Naidu said the two wounded men were believed to belong to the Boetie Rus Boys, while the shooter’s gang affiliation was unknown.

The Provincial Gang Investigation Unit has taken over the investigation.

On Sunday, an 11-year-old was shot in the buttocks while walking down Fitchardt Street.

Also at the weekend, Ezra Murphy, 17, was shot dead on the corner of Stanford Road and Fitchardt Street.

On Friday last week, Franklin Grootboom, 32, was gunned down in Renecke Road, Helenvale, in an attack by a group of eight men.

Jesican Charles, 28, was shot in Voisen Road at 7pm on Thursday last week, and Ojay Marais was killed in Anita Drive an hour before that.

The reason for the sudden spate of gang violence is unknown, but police suspect it is linked to ongoing turf and drug wars.

The latest shooting led to a meeting between residents and police at the Helenvale Resource Centre on Thursday.

Cluster commander MajGen Thembisile Patekile appealed to residents to assist police in tracking down and arresting those responsible.

“The community cannot harbour these criminals, as innocent young victims are caught in the [crossfire].

“We appeal to the community to report these criminals.”