Thokoza residents worry over wounded teen

A 14-year-old girl remains in hospital after she was struck by a stray bullet during a brazen cash in transit robbery in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, an incident that has left the community shaken and fearful during what is usually a joyful festive season.

The shooting happened on Saturday afternoon in broad daylight near the Sam Ntuli Stadium, an area where children often gather to play and families spend time together. Instead of laughter and music, the sound of an explosion and gunfire echoed through the neighbourhood, turning an ordinary day into a scene of panic.

Just after the thugs left the scene, groups of youth and adults rushed to the wreckage in an effort to collect money left behind, however police arrived and secured the scene.

According to a media statement from the office of the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, the robbery took place at about 13h30 when a cash in transit armoured vehicle was rammed by a white Mercedes Benz, forcing it to capsize.

An unconfirmed number of suspects then disarmed the security officers and used explosives to bomb the vehicle. While some suspects looted an undisclosed amount of cash, others fired shots at an escort vehicle. The suspects fled the scene in four vehicles.

In the chaos, the teenage girl, who was nearby at the time, was hit by a stray bullet and rushed to hospital, where she is still receiving medical care. Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects involved.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward, saying such attacks pose a serious threat to innocent members of the public.

For residents, the incident has reopened old wounds. Nomalanga Mdumiseni, who lives near the scene, said she was watching television when she heard a loud bang followed by gunshots. “The explosion and the gunshots really brought back bad memories,” she said. “I grew up in Thokoza before democracy, when many people were shot and killed. Hearing those gunshots took me aback.”

Many locals say they are deeply concerned about safety, especially for children who are outdoors during the school holidays. As the festive season continues, the community is left grappling with fear, hoping for the young girl’s recovery and for justice to be served swiftly.