On Sunday, a nine-year-old boy named Tiano Anthony was fatally shot outside his home on Towerkop Road in Manenberg. Despite receiving medical treatment at the [Red Cross Children’s Hospital](https://capetown.today/the-red-cross-war-memorial-childrens-hospital-a-ray-of-hope-amidst-child-abuse-and-neglect), Anthony passed away the following day.
Suspect Admits to Shooting
According to local residents, the suspect in the case is a former resident of the property where the shooting occurred. He claimed that the gun discharged accidentally while he was cleaning it. However, the true nature of the events leading up to the shooting remains to be seen as the investigation is still ongoing.
Incident Not Linked to Gang-Related Activity
Vernon Visagie, chairperson of the Manenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), clarified that the incident was not related to any gang activity. However, when the CPF visited the family after the shooting, they observed a lack of apparent sorrow or grief. The family initially attempted to protect the suspect, but he eventually confessed to the shooting.
House Known for Drug-Related Activities
The house where the shooting occurred was known for drug-related activities. Members of the Anti-Gang Unit carried out an unrelated operation and found drugs and money on the premises. Initially, the family concocted a story that blamed a rival gang for the shooting.
Outrage Over Tragic Murder
Reagen Allen, the Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, expressed his anger and frustration over the incident. There were 39 children murdered in the province during the fourth quarter of the 2022-23 financial year, spanning from January to March 2023.
A Reminder of the Consequences of Gun Violence
The tragic shooting in Manenberg serves as a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence on innocent lives. As the investigation continues, we can only hope that justice will be served and measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
