Cape Town shooting: Suspect arrested in murder of Belhar toddler

Just two days after two-year-old Uthmaan Taliep was shot dead in Cape Town, Belhar, police in the city have had a breakthrough and arrested one suspect in connection with the tragedy.

On Monday, 27 December, the child was struck in the face by a stray bullet. Medics were called to the scene that evening and despite efforts to revive him, nothing could be done to save the child.

Cape Town Police’s FC Van Wyk says a 17-year-old suspect was handcuffed in Hout Bay on Wednesday, and will soon appear in the dock in connection with the shooting, which is believed to be gang-related. In addition, the suspect could be linked to yet another killing.

“Members followed up several leads in the murder case of the two year old boy who was shot and killed in Belhar, which led them to Hout Bay where the suspect was arrested. He can possibly linked to another shooting incident in Belhar. Investigations continues. He is due to appear in court once charged”

Cape Town Police’s FC Van Wyk

ALSO read: Horror: Two boys killed in Cape Town gang drive-by shooting crossfire

CAPE TOWN COMMUNITY STILL SHOCKED BY BOY’S KILLING

The Belhar community is still reeling from little Uthmaan Taliep’s tragic death, but sadly there are similar cases in crime-ridden areas in Cape Town. On the same day of the toddler’s shooting, two young boys aged 15 and 14-years-old were also killed in Lavender Hill.

It has been reported that the boys were standing with other children when the perpetrators opened fire from their vehicle.

“Steenberg police are investigating a murder and an attempted murder after a shooting… in Stone Court, Lavender Hill, where a 15-year-old boy was shot and fatally wounded, and a 14-year-old injured. The injured victim was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,” Van Wyk said at the time.

Several areas in Cape Town have unfortunately seen a spike in shootings, particularly during the festive season.