Former Groenvlei High learner killed in Hanover Park shooting - IOL

Hanover Park is mourning the death of 19-year-old Cowen Solomons, a former Groenvlei High School learner who was shot dead on Saturday night.

Known as “Pastor” because of his involvement in the church, Cowen was remembered by a community activist as a kind and gentle young man with no links to gangsterism.

The activist, who asked not to be identified, said Cowen was an innocent young man with no links to gangsterism or the klipgooiers (stone throwers).

“Cowen was not involved or affiliated with any gangsterism, nor was he part of the klipgooiers. He was an innocent child whose nickname was Pastor, and he loved going to church.

“He was one of the sweetest and nicest boys in Hanover Park. The death of Cowen is a heartbreaking thing in Hanover Park because how can people just kill an innocent boy like that? He still had a future in front of him.

“The sad part is that there is going to be more murders because Hanover Park is like a graveyard; the gangs are at war with each other.

“There were a lot of shootings over the weekend in Hanover Park, with a double murder and about five attempted murders. My heart is broken. We are losing our children, who are dying at a very young age.

“It starts with the stone throwers, then the stones turn to guns, and these klipgooiers are young boys who are recruited and become gangsters. We need parents to take accountability for their children and for the community to stand together and rise up.”

Tributes have been flowing in for the former Groenvlei High School learner, who matriculated just last year.

Another Groenvlei High learner, Liyah May, also passed away, but in a separate incident.

The school took to social media to convey its condolences.

“It is with profound sadness that Groenvlei High School mourns the passing of two of our former learners, Liyah May and Cowen Solomons, who both matriculated from our school in 2025.

“Liyah and Cowen will always remain part of the Groenvlei family. Their time with us, the memories they created, and the lives they touched will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends, classmates and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest peacefully, Liyah and Cowen.

“Once a Groenvlei learner, always a Groenvlei learner.”