Atlantis SAPS confirmed the arrest of a suspect. File Picture
A 40-year-old man has appeared in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape for the murder of a 15-year-old boy.
The prominent soccer player and TikToker was gunned down on Saturday, November 2, in Extension 13.
Tributes continue to pour in across social media platforms for the teenager as many condemned the shootings taking place in the small town.
The Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the arrest.
“We can confirm that a 40-year-old man was arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and appeared at the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, November 5,” Twigg said.
The matter has been postponed until November 11, and the suspect has been remanded in custody.
Residents in the area have also been left panic-stricken after word of an apparent ‘hit list’ was making the rounds.
According to messages circulating on social media, the ‘hit list’ contains the addresses and names of boys aged 13 to 15.
Residents now fear for the safety of the boy children.
Speaking to IOL News, Ward Councillor Allister Lightburn said police were busy investigating the truthfulness of the ‘hit list’.
He also confirmed more boots on the ground have been deployed to the area.
“Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (Leap) officers have been deployed to Atlantis since Friday, November 1. Atlantis is currently a volatile area but the law enforcement agencies are on the ground and visible,” Lightburn said.
Police said it was not aware of a ‘hit list’.
“Atlantis police is not aware of a hit list that is doing the rounds. SAPS and other law enforcement agencies are deployed in the area to monitor the situation and will remain in the affected area until we are satisfied that calm has been restored,” Twigg said.
Police also confirmed no arrests have been made in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of five people headed home from Silverstream Beach on Wednesday, October 23.
Five others were injured during the shooting.
Twigg confirmed one of the injured individuals died at the weekend.
“With regards to the mass shooting, no arrests have been made yet. We can confirm that a sixth victim, an 18-year-old male succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, November 2, 2024 in hospital,” Twigg said.
Police appeal to anyone with any information that can lead to the arrest of suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the My SAPS App anonymously.
The SAPS Spiritual Crime Prevention Unit along with the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and councillors are busy with arrangements for a prayer walk in the area. Information will be shared with the public once available.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL