Story By: Lisa-Maria Goertz, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A young girl is fighting for her life with a bullet in her skull after three men randomly opened fire on her and friends during her 14th birthday garden party.

The shocking incident was reported at a house near Eerste River in the South African province of Western Cape on 5th December.

Tamia Petersen turned 14 and was celebrating her birthday with friends when the incident happened, according to national news outlet IOL.

The young girl’s father, identified only as Petrus, 50, told IOL: “They were planning to celebrate the whole weekend and on the day she was with her friend and they were having a good time.

“Witnesses told me they saw three men walk by her friend’s home and they stopped in front of the house and then looked over the vibracrete [wall] and started shooting and when they were done, they ran away on foot.”

According to IOL, Tamia was with a group of about 15 youngsters celebrating in friend’s garden when the suspects opened fire on them just after midnight on Saturday morning.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that four youths aged 13, 14, 19 and 21 were shot and wounded, as reported by national newspaper the Daily Voice.

Tamia is reportedly still in intensive care fighting for her life and a bullet remains lodged in her skull.

Petrus said: “When I got there, she was lying on her side and I noticed a bullet behind her ear.

“I don’t know if she will be alright if the bullet is removed.

“And the sad part is that I can’t go to see how she is doing because of the Covid regulations, only her mum is by her side.”

Police are asking for anybody with any information to come forward and continue to search for the culprits who face charges of attempted murder.

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