WHERE IS THE DEATH PENALTY?
Residents of HANOVER Park were overcome with emotion as they laid toddler Qadir Boer to rest on Friday, with relatives calling for the death penalty for the suspects responsible for his tragic death.
Two suspects, both aged 17, made a brief initial court appearance in camera at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of murder, firearm possession, and possession of ammunition.
Little Qadir, just three years old, lost his life early last Wednesday after being admitted to the hospital the day before.
He was struck by a stray bullet during a gang conflict between the Ghetto Kidz and Incredibly Gifted Bastards (IGBs).
Aunties from Hanover Park gathered outside the court, voicing their sorrow and frustration over the senseless loss of Qadir’s life.
One frustrated aunt, who requested anonymity, shared with the Daily Voice her deep empathy for Qadir’s family as a mother of two.
She expressed: “I don’t know how others cope or sleep at night, but as a mother, I feel it. Bail should not be an option; we only seek justice for a child that could’ve been mine.”
“We demand justice, not just for Qadir—an injury to one is an injury to all. My heart aches as I stand outside Athlone Court. We will achieve justice, whether it’s next week or whenever it comes.”
“There may be only a few of us here now, but as more join us, justice will prevail. What frustrates me further is the lack of a death penalty. Where is it?”
“If it were still in place, our communities would be far safer. Instead, we have rapists and murderers roaming free. We can’t even allow our children to play outside.”
The case has been postponed until 17 October for bail information, and shortly after, Qadir’s janazah took place at Hangklip Court.
Members of the community came together to support the family as they said their final goodbyes.
Western Cape MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, Anroux Marais, has expressed her condolences to the Boer family.
Marais stated: “This senseless violence must come to an end. My heart breaks for the family of this young boy and for all families who have lost children to gang violence.”
“These thugs show a complete disregard for the communities that raised them. Our children are suffering the consequences of their ruthless actions.”
“The investigation must extend beyond just prosecuting these suspects. We need to uncover who allowed these young individuals access to firearms.”
“The source of these weapons needs to be identified and brought to justice. Tragedies like this underscore the urgent need for better resource allocation for SAPS.”