Cape Town Mother Fatally Shot While Trying To Protect Son During Gang Fight

The family of Tasleema Erasmus, 42, is grieving after the mother of two was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon in Sabie Road, Manenberg, Cape Town.

Erasmus had rushed outside to retrieve her son amid escalating violence between local gangs when she was struck by a single bullet that claimed her life.

Manenberg Station Commander Colonel Jayce Naidoo confirmed the incident, stating: “As the victim attempted to fetch her son from the street, a single gunshot rang out. She sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the face and collapsed outside her home.”

An 18-year-old male, also caught in the skirmish, was shot in the leg and taken to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have opened cases of murder and attempted murder, with a single cartridge collected as evidence. No arrests have been made.

Community Tensions Boil Over

The tragic incident unfolded during a violent altercation between two rival groups, the Okka Boys and Sabie Kidz, involving minors as young as nine years old. Stone-throwing escalated into knife fights and ultimately gunfire.

A relative of Erasmus, who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, believes the mother may have been intentionally targeted. “Tasleema was vocal about these fights and warned that someone could get seriously hurt. She also opposed gangsters recruiting children and was worried about her sons’ futures,” the relative said.

Mother Of Community

Hundreds of mourners attended Tasleema’s janazah (funeral) on Saturday. Religious leaders used the occasion to call for an end to gang violence in the area. Following her burial at Klip Road Cemetery, members of the community pleaded with local youths to stop the violence that continues to claim lives.

“Tasleema was a beacon of hope in our community, always advocating for peace and safety,” the relative added. “Her loss is devastating not just for her family, but for everyone in Manenberg.”

The police have urged witnesses to come forward as the investigation into the murder continues. Authorities are appealing to the community to assist in curbing the violence that has plagued Manenberg for years.

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