/ 28 April 2007

Three E Cape boys shot in their sleep

A boy was shot dead and two others wounded, allegedly by a man who had a quarrel with his brother, Eastern Cape police said on Friday.

Captain Jackson Manatha said the three youngsters were shot at a homestead in Nxaxo near Centane in the old Transkei on Thursday night.

It appeared the aggrieved man came to his elder brother’s homestead, peeped through a window and fired shots at the sleeping boys — who were not in fact his brother’s, but visiting neighbourhood children.

Ten-year-old Ndayi Nande died at the scene. His 13-year-old brother Sinesipho and Thembela Sobanti (16) were wounded.

The two injured boys were taken to the local Tafalofefe hospital, but later transferred to an East London private hospital because of the severity of their injuries.

Three 9mm cartridge cases were found at the scene.

Police are investigating a case of murder and two of attempted murder, Manatha said. No arrests have yet been made. — Sapa