Cape Town - The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is still probing the death of 16-year-old Althea Adams, who died in a shooting during a police raid at a flat in Fairview Court, Elsies River, in March.
Police had discovered a trove of illegal substances, including 486 mandrax tablets and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
As officers moved to apprehend an alleged suspect, tensions quickly escalated when residents intervened to stop the arrest.
During the incident, police officers discharged their firearms, allegedly using live rounds.
Adams was an innocent bystander when she was tragically struck in the chest by a bullet.
She collapsed in her aunt’s home, and despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her wounds in a local medical facility.
Another bystander, a 9-year-old boy, was also critically wounded, having been shot in the head.
Ipid spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, confirmed the investigation is still ongoing.
“This matter is still under investigation,” Shuping said, providing little solace to a grieving community and an anguished family eager for answers and justice.
In the days following the shooting, the community protested vigorously.
Residents blocked streets and set tyres ablaze, demanding accountability for Adams's death.
Her sister, Ushan Adams, voiced the family's frustrations, saying they have been left in the dark concerning the investigation.
“We aren't asking why it was her, why it happened to us. We can't judge God, but our family wants justice for her,” she said.
Cape Argus