A five-year-old boy was tragically shot and killed during a hijacking incident outside his home in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, on Friday evening.
Manhunt launched for suspects behind Soshanguve hijacking
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Gauteng police have initiated a widespread manhunt for the unidentified suspects involved in a deadly hijacking in Soshanguve Block UU.
The incident, which occurred late Friday night, has sparked outrage and a swift response from local law enforcement.
Police are currently gathering evidence and seeking any leads that could help track down the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and have provided a hotline for tips, emphasizing the community’s role in aiding the investigation.
“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call crime stop on 08600 10111,” Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said in a statement.
What police know about the Soshanguve hijacking
According to police, the sequence of events unfolded as the victim, the father of the deceased child was arriving home at around 22:30.
As he pulled up in his white Toyota bakkie, his son ran out to greet him, which was when an unconfirmed number of armed assailants approached.
The suspects hijacked the vehicle and, in the process, fatally shot the five-year-old boy, who later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The police have officially opened a case of murder and hijacking and are meticulously combing through all available evidence to ascertain more details about the attackers.
Social media reactions to murder of five-year-old
The brutal killing of the young child has caused a wave of sorrow and anger across social media platforms, with many expressing their condolences and calling for justice.
The community of Soshanguve and beyond has been vocal in their shock and horror at such violence affecting innocent lives, particularly children.
Here are some of the reactions we picked: