We stand in Support. A Community gathers; Athlone Court
“This morning alongside several political representatives and community members Adv Salie joined community to oppose bail and create awareness on the continued killing on Cape Flats and the loss of innocent lives caught in cross fire
As a mother and a professional who for decades have worked in Justice and in community. We have long passed the moment of having had enough. Our country is failing us as they are not addressing the crimes on the Cape Flats with the seriousness that it deserves.
Our unjust Justice system and SAPS have displayed over and over again that the perpetrators of crime has more rights than victims
This morning a mothers heartache was once again before court gates
Melanie Hendricks a crime fighter, her son Lushaan Hendricks was a 16-year-old Grade 9 learner at Crystal High School in Hanover Park, South Africa, who was tragically killed on December 18, 2025.
Lushaan was caught in the crossfire of a gang shooting on Surran Road in Hanover Park. He was hit in the chest and declared dead upon arrival at a medical facility.
Following her son’s death, his mother has vowed to fight for justice and has received support from residents and activists opposing bail for the suspects.
Police Investigation and Arrests: Two suspects, aged 22 and 33, were arrested on December 22, 2025, on charges of murder and attempted murder.
The suspects appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on December 30, 2025, and were scheduled for a formal bail application today on January 19, 2026.
Community Residents have organized petitions and protests to demand that the suspects remain in custody, with high tensions surrounding the court appearances.
Lushaan was described by community members as a friendly, happy child who was not involved in gangsterism
How many of children have been killed or injured just in 2025
Our children are not just a number or a statistic, they are children with names and dreams.
If there is one thing we should agree on, remove political hats and realise that the killing, especially of children, affects us all.
We demand justice for all victims and an end to crime.”
