Cape Town - A toddler who was shot in the face during a drive-by shooting in Elsies River is in a critical but stable condition at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital where she is in ICU.

Jaylin Alexander, 2, underwent surgery on Friday morning to alleviate breathing difficulties caused by the wounds to her mouth. The little girl and her friends had been playing in their yard when she was struck by a stray bullet on Thursday afternoon.

Jaylin’s uncle, Shafiek Tovey, 31, was critically injured in the shoot-out on the corner of 12th Avenue and Norwood Street in Leonsdale. Tovey died on the way to hospital. Police said about 50 shell casings were found at the scene. Jaylin’s aunt, Evelyn Alexander, said the family was still reeling from the shock of the double tragedy.

“We have no clue why anyone would be shooting at Shafiek,” she said.

Red Cross spokesperson Dwayne Evans said Jaylin was set to have major surgery next week when doctors hope to repair the damage done to her face by the bullet.