Philippi teen killed in gang crossfire
The Momoti family in Philippi is battling to come to terms with the death of their 16-year-old daughter who was struck by a stray bullet while she was waiting for her school transport in Athlone, on Friday afternoon, April 19.
Zamawushe Momoti, a Grade 11 pupil at Belgravia High School, was caught in the crossfire when gangsters started shooting outside the school in Vlei Road.
Everyone ran inside the school for cover when shooting broke out and this is when she was struck by the stray bullet and died inside the school premises.
Her devastated father, Maseru Momoti, said he received a text from her class teacher informing him to rush to the school as there was an emergency.
When he arrived, he found the covered, lifeless body of his daughter lying on the ground and was informed that she was hit by a stray bullet.
“Words fail me to tell you how I feel. I feel numb and a part of my life has been away from me. My child was committed to her school work and never gave us any problems.
“It was extremely rare to find her in the street and I knew that she was going to make something positive of her life. For days I could not process or come to terms with her death.
“No parent deserves to lose a child like this and experience this kind of trauma. I was told that she was hit by one bullet in her body and we are still waiting for the post-mortem so that we can finalise the burial processes,” he said.
Mr Momoti said his daughter had a bright future which was cut short by ruthless gangsters who an innocent child.
Provincial police spokesman Colonel Andre Traut confirmed the shooting.
“With scant regard for the lives of others, rival gangs fired several shots randomly at around 12.30pm, killing a 20-year-old man in Canal Road, Athlone. A 16-year-old girl who was standing at the gates of Belgravia High School in Vlei Road was caught in the crossfire and sustained a fatal gunshot wound.”
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi later confirmed that police made an arrest on Friday in connection with the shooting.
“One adult male was arrested on two counts of murder and attempted murder. The suspect appeared at Athlone Magistrate’s Court last Monday but the case has been postponed for next week,” said Swartbooi.
Department of education spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said department officials were on scene to render the necessary support. This included counselling interventions earlier this week.
“This is a tragic and horrific incident and our condolences go to the family, friends and the school community,” she said.
