The Molala family is seeking justice after Veli Molala (17) was shot dead by an Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer on May 19.
The incident happened just off Divot Street, which is near Bunyan Street, Western Extension, at about 1.30pm.
According to EMPD spokesperson Wilfred Kgasago, learners from several Benoni schools had been the target of a gang of teenage boys, believed to be from Daveyton and Etwatwa.
The culprits have apparently been robbing children of cellphones, cash and other valuables.
“The EMPD Benoni Precinct officers received information that the supposed gang was sighted on Bunyan Street and responded swiftly,” Kgasago said, a day after the incident.
“Two suspects were approached by the officers and one of them pointed what was described as a revolver at the officer.
“The armed suspect’s accomplice was shot dead and the one who pointed the firearm managed to evade arrest.”
He said the EMPD then arrested one male while another was arrested by learners and a principal of a nearby school.
Charges of attempted robbery were laid at the Benoni Police Station against the suspects, both of whom are aged 16.
According to Itumelang Molala, Veli’s aunt, his friends came to their house to fetch him and he never came home that night.
She said there is no evidence to suggest Veli was part of a gang robbing school children.
The family received the news of the shooting on May 21, at around 6pm.
Itumelang said if it wasn’t for a family friend who told them about the shooting, they wouldn’t have known about it.
“Why didn’t the police tell us about the shooting immediately?” she asked.
“We then called the Benoni SAPS and the family was told to come to the police station on Monday, May 22.”
She said the family went to the station to demand answers, but they didn’t receive any.
“We want to know why the officer is still working and not in jail,” said Itumelang.
“How can he shoot someone who wasn’t armed?“Veli was shot twice in his upper body.”
Itumelang said Veli was a quiet person, who loved food, watching television and he always had jokes to share with his family.
The Grade 10 Rivoni Secondary School learner was buried on May 27.
The City Times is awaiting an update on the case from the police and the EMPD.
Also read:
Teen (18) killed for cellphone in Actonville
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