A mother and her toddler were shot dead in the Yellowwood Park informal settlement in Woodlands, Pietermaritzburg, yesterday evening (July 29) in an attack that also left a 14-year-old injured, reports The Witness.

The teenager was rushed to hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Mountain Rise SAPS Community Policing Forum chairperson Sham Govender confirmed the incident.

Govender said a woman and two children were shot. The woman and a child, believed to be one year old, were found dead, while the second child was rushed to hospital.

He said the crime scene remained active last night, with SAPS members and several private security companies on scene.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been established.

Councillor offers condolences to grieving family

Woodlands ward councillor Garth Middleton, who was on scene, expressed his condolences to the grieving family.

“I was on scene where a mother and baby were found deceased. I engaged with the family, SAPS and Crime Intelligence. A young child was also rushed to hospital in critical condition.

“SAPS are processing the scene and the bodies will be removed to the state mortuary. I’ve offered our community’s deepest sympathies to the family and friends. Please can we all pray for the speedy healing of the other little child. We also pray for the surgeons who will be treating her tonight,” Middleton said.

Anti-violence group calls for severe punishment

Unite Against GBV founder Elton Adkins described the killings as heartbreaking.

“We are saddened by these unnecessary deaths. It breaks our hearts as an organisation to witness such senseless violence. We are living in violent times, and our sincere hope is that those responsible for this horrific crime will be found and punished severely.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this devastating time. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the young child fighting for her life in hospital,” Adkins said.

*The article was amended after it was published to correct the children’s ages.

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