An 18-year-old schoolboy lost his life after an attempted robbery on a courier van in the suburb of Gugulethu, Cape Town, on Thursday, 30 October.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident unfolded at about 10:15 in Godongwana Street, Lusaka, Gugulethu. “Members attended to a shooting incident … an 18-year-old male was fatally wounded and a 19-year-old male was injured,” confirmed Police Spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk.
Eyewitnesses say that the deceased, still wearing his school uniform and carrying his school bag, was part of a group that approached a delivery van, demanded the driver’s mobile phones, and then attempted to hijack the vehicle. The assistant driver of the courier van reportedly pulled a gun and fired at the group, killing the 18-year-old instantly and injuring his 19-year-old accomplice.
A resident who heard the gunshots described how she ran outside and found the teenager lying on the ground in his uniform. “He still had his school bag and uniform on,” she said, reflecting on the horror of the scene. The injured 19-year-old suspect was taken to hospital under police guard.
During the investigation, police found a 9 mm firearm without a serial number next to the body of the deceased, and the revolver used by the assistant driver was also seized for forensic processing. The motive for the shooting has been registered as an inquest case, believed to be robbery.
The killing of a young person—still in school uniform—has shaken the local community. Residents in Lusaka voiced their sorrow and concern over youths becoming victims of violent crime. One resident commented: “It’s sad to see young people losing their lives like this.”
Police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or make use of the MySAPS app.
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