Masiano’s death devastates family

Cape Town - The family of Masiano Geswind,4, who was killed when he was struck by a stray bullet during recent gang violence in Delft, said his death left a huge void in their lives.

The boy, 4, was caught in the crossfire on Sunday when three unidentified men opened fire in the direction of his house, shooting Masiano in the stomach and injuring two men.

Newly-elected chairman of the Delft Community Policing forum (CPF), Jamiel Spannenberg confirmed that Masiano was shot while playing in the front yard of his family home.

“Masiano was playing while the rest of the family was sitting around a bonfire. They heard shots and that’s when Masiano’s dad rushed to the front to check on his son and found him lying on the floor with a wound to his stomach,” said Spannenberg.

Masiano later died in hospital.

Cecelia Geswind, 55, Masiano’s grandmother, described him as a lovely child who loved his family.

“I miss him dearly. I miss seeing him run around playing with his dog. He has left a huge void in our hearts,” said Geswind.

Masiano’s mother, Natasha Geswind, 32, was unable to speak to anyone, while his father Martin Beyers, 40, could not hold back his tears.

The Delft community came out to support the family who are still trying to come to terms with the death of their child.

Community members marched against gang violence in the area after theshooting.

Warrant Officer Brian Daniels, who led the march, added that “the gangsters started shooting indiscriminately at the house and unfortunately the child and the two men were caught in the crossfire”.

Cape Argus