Why will talented young basketball players in their high school just two years ago now turn to gang activity as a way out, getting killed in the process.
Cody Akoar, 20, and Kuanyliet Kogalt, 20, both of South Sudanese descent, were confirmed death in their car by the Calgary Police at 9:20AM, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, when police were called in North East Calgary.
Two people found dead but just a hole found on the passengers side door glass is a question for the police. The Calgary Police says the shooting is targeted and ask for help. Their press release says, “Anyone who was in the area of Marcombe Drive N.E., between 9 and 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, including taxis and other vehicles that may have dashcam footage, is asked to contact police. As the investigation is still in its early stages, no further information will be released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods: TALK: 1-800-222-8477 TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org APP: “P3 Tips” Case #20513160/3508 #yyc.”
The two young men attended Father Lacombe High school in Calgary a couple of years ago. They played in the boys’ basketball team, graduating a couple years ago. So many are suspecting gang related involvement which begs the question of what to do to help solve the gang involvement of refugees and low income people in poor neighbourhoods, not just in North East Calgary, but across Alberta, and beyond. Nobody grow up dreaming to join a gang. If that happens, the society they live in has failed them, and due to the persistence in low income neighbourhoods, we have to ask what our governments are doing to help?
Next Friday, Diversity TV will start the year sharing suggestions from a panel of experts sharing solutions to this problem from, non-profits, police, politicians, community leaders and more.
Nicholas Amu writes on Facebook, “Both deaths adds up to the city’s reputation as a violent gang ravaged city. This further drive investors away from this lovely city you we all call home though. So regardless of who this young men are RIP and we pray for peace for all Calgarians. I don’t know about you but I’m Canadian and I vote and I pay my taxes and respect our values and laws. Let’s not generalize here because this isn’t racial, it could have been eg a Jonny and clay who died no offence to those with those names still I would pray for peace in our city. When they talk about Calgary’s violence, they never discriminate we all must speak up against this together! My two senses. Happy new year to those of us who made it congrats you know you deserve it;)) cheers Calgary!!”
