11-year-old shot in drive-by

A pin will have to be inserted in the leg of an 11-year-old girl from Southside, central Kingston, in order for her to be able to walk properly.

The child was shot during another senseless drive-by shooting in the now volatile area two weeks ago.

"Di likkle girl get two shot in har right foot and one ina di left, but di doctor dem say a that one is serious," an angry resident told THE STAR.

The minor is also grieving the loss of two relatives. Her uncle was shot and killed in March, following an early morning drive-by shooting in the community. His mother, who was in hospital at the time of the incident, reportedly died of a heart attack following news of her son's death.

Violence has reached chilling levels

The 11-year-old was on her way to buy food when she was shot. A resident said that the violence has reached chilling levels, and is calling on the Government to declare a zone of special operations in the area to combat the gunplay.

"Every night, and every day a baay shot!," the resident said. "Di police dem a pass through, enuh, but wi would like to see more police and soldier plant in yah fi all di next two years," the resident added.

Two warring gangs, Genasyde and Darksyde, are said to be responsible for the upsurge of shooting in the area.

Head of the Kingston Central Police Division, Superintendent Maldria Jones, told THE STAR that the police have increased their presence in the troubled area.

"We are aware of the recent spate of shootings in the area, and yes, we plan to maintain a visible presence in the space, and also to reassure residents that we won't stop until some semblance of law and order have been restored," the senior cop said.