Teen 'killers' in court

Three suspects, including a 16-year-old boy, have been busted for the execution style murder of a teen who allegedly refused to join a gang. 

Less than a week after the horrific shooting in Don Street which led to the death of 19-year-old Darren Petersen, Manenberg cops have clamped down on those believed to be behind the murder. 

During proceedings at Athlone Magistrates Court on Friday, it was revealed that Khiyaam Solomons, Greshwin Applegreen and a minor had been charged with the murder. 

The case was postponed to 17 April for a bail information hearing. 

During the investigation it was revealed that the deceased teen was tangled in a dispute between two rival gangs in the area and a minor was used to lure him away from his home. 

Manenberg police station commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, says Detective Sergeant Daryl van Noie has worked tirelessly to ensure justice for the families of recent murder victims. 

Naidoo reports: "Three males, aged 16, 18, and 32, have been arrested for the execution-style murder of a 19-year-old male in Don Street, Manenberg.

"The victim, allegedly a member of a local gang, was shot in the back of the head, execution style. The suspects, belonging to a rival gang, appeared in court on 11 April 2025 and remain in custody." 

Tears flowed in Don Street last Sunday as the devastated family of Darren gathered around his lifeless body.

Speaking to the Daily Voice at the time, a family friend, who asked not to be named, says his family was alerted to the shooting as residents screamed that he had been shot.

The chommie says: "His family was not at home at the time of the shooting. As they came down the road they heard a shot and people started running and screaming that he was shot and that is when everyone gathered in Don Street."

The friend says as cops cordoned off the scene the community was informed of a woman wearing a red sweater who allegedly lured him to meet with gang members.

The insider adds: "We were told the young woman came and called him and told him that the Americans were going to give him a tjappie and a gun and he apparently refused.

"We found out that in an attempt to escape the gang, he told them he must first go home and fetch his phone and we believed they became suspicious that he may run away after refusing and they just shot him right there."

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed the shooting and said cops responded to the shooting shortly after 8pm and a murder case was subsequently opened for investigation.