Retreat Family Mourns Pregnant Teen Gunned Down In Cold Blood

A family in Retreat, Western Cape mourns after 17-year-old Kimberly Kirsty George, who was four months pregnant, was brutally shot and killed, allegedly for witnessing a gang shooting.

According to a 33-year-old family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Kimberly was walking along Sonata Street on Saturday when a gunman approached her.

“She had just walked past a house where a Mongrel gang member had been shot. We don’t know if they thought she saw the murder, but the gunman turned and shot her multiple times—in the head, chest, and stomach,” the relative said.

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As gunshots rang out, Kimberly’s friends rushed to find her.

“Her best friend ran to her and saw that her eyes were closed, but she was still able to speak. She said she was in pain and asked for her aunt, who had raised her,” the family member added.

Tragically, she died on the scene before medical help could arrive. Kimberly’s family revealed that she had only recently shared news of her pregnancy.

“She knew she was about four months pregnant but didn’t yet know the gender. Her stomach was showing, so the shooter knew he was killing a pregnant girl,” the relative said. “To lose a child and grandchild in this way—there aren’t words to describe the pain.”

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the double murder.

“Steenberg police responded to a shooting complaint in Sonata Street on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found the body of a young female with gunshot wounds, declared dead by medical personnel,” he said.

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Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man, shot in a nearby house, was also rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The shooter fled the scene and is yet to be arrested.

Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the attack, but residents fear gang violence in Retreat is spiralling out of control. Anyone with information is urged to contact Steenberg police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.