BEDFORD - A 12-year-old Eastern Cape boy is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot by a man for allegedly stealing peanuts.
Olwam Joni's family says they are afraid that he may not get justice after the alleged perpetrator was released on bail.
The incident follows the recent discovery of the mutilated body of a two-year-old in the same area of Bedford.
Daniel Botha, a resident in the area, says he discovered Joni lying in a pool of blood shortly after the incident.
Botha says the alleged perpetrator has attacked children before.
Ndileka Xameni, who runs an orphanage in Bedford, says substance abuse is also playing an integral part in the abuse of children.
The community says the alleged perpetrator has since left town as he fears for his life.