Stray bullet narrowly misses child: Phoenix CPF demands action on rampant shootings

A CHILD'S close call with a stray bullet in Foresthaven has prompted the Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF) to issue an urgent warning about the dangerous rise in gun violence.

The CPF reported an alarming pattern of reckless shootings, with bullets found embedded in homes across the community, as they call for immediate intervention from law enforcement

Val Pillay, the CPF spokesperson, said there have been multiple reports of bullets embedded in roofs and ceilings, as well as spent ammunition being found on private properties in Phoenix. 

“We are deeply concerned following the incident in Foresthaven, where a stray bullet struck a house while a child was inside. This follows an alarming and growing pattern in Phoenix.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable. Phoenix cannot and will not be allowed to descend into a cowboy atmosphere where people show blatant disregard for the safety and lives of residents. One stray bullet is all it takes for a tragic and irreversible loss of life.

“The increasing misuse of firearms, including the irresponsible use and sale of blank guns, has further exacerbated this dangerous trend. These actions create fear, trauma, and instability in our neighbourhoods and undermine the safety of law-abiding citizens,” she added.

Pillay said the CPF urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive and visible action urgently against those responsible for the shootings.

“We call for thorough investigations, increased patrols, and strict enforcement of firearm-related legislation before a tragedy occurs. We also urge community members to report any information related to firearm misuse to the police or relevant authorities. Community safety is a shared responsibility, and silence only enables further recklessness.

“We strongly condemn the reckless and irresponsible discharge of firearms that place innocent lives at risk in our community,” added Pillay.

Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), said they were called out to the home in Foresthaven after the shooting.

“We were informed by the homeowner that his son had been seated in his bedroom when multiple gunshots were heard emanating from the area before a stray bullet struck the window.

“According to witnesses, a white double-cab Isuzu bakkie was observed pursuing a silver Toyota Land Cruiser at the time the shots were fired. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unknown,” Balram added.

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