Lauren Isaacs31 January 2024 | 10:14

Mitchells Plain family to lay daughter (12) to rest after she was caught in gang shooting

Firdous Kleinsmidt was struck by a gangster’s stray bullet.

Mitchells Plain family to lay daughter (12) to rest after she was caught in gang shooting

The family of Firdous Kleinsmidt, who was shot and killed outside her Beacon Valley school during a gang shootout, prepare for her burial. She will be laid to rest according to Muslim burial rites. Picture: Lauren Isaacs/Eyewitness News

CAPE TOWN - Funeral preparations are underway at the family home of 12-year-old Firdous Kleinsmidt, who was shot and killed at her school in Beacon Valley in Mitchells Plain on Tuesday. 

She was struck by a gangster’s stray bullet. 

Community leaders say this current gang war in Beacon Valley has been ongoing since late last year. 

Viola Street in Lentegeur is filled with cars and people coming to pay their respects as Firdous Kleinsmidt's family prepares to lay her to rest later on Wednesday. 

Her father, Haroon Kleinsmidt, said that he was at work when his wife called him to inform him of the shooting on Tuesday.

"She just said my daughter was shot. I came home and came to the school and saw that she passed away. There's nothing I can say to describe how we feel."

Ieglaasi Nieyah Primary School has taken the decision to close its doors for the rest of the week.

Counselling has been arranged following the tragedy.