The devastating attack on a group of community patrollers in the Marry Me Informal Settlement has claimed yet another life, bringing the total death toll to six. The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, has left the community in shock and sparked outrage across Gauteng.
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According to reports, at around 3 a.m. on Saturday, a group of five suspected criminals clashed with community-based patrollers who were monitoring the streets for criminal activity. A fight broke out between the two groups, resulting in the brutal deaths of five patrollers. The situation worsened when one more patroller died in the hospital, pushing the death toll to six.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi addressed the Marry Me Informal Settlement community on Sunday, confirming the tragic loss of the six patrollers. He assured the residents that the government was taking immediate action to ensure justice. Premier Lesufi stated, “I am committed to returning on Wednesday to discuss the issues facing this community, including crime and safety concerns.”
Residents’ Concerns and the Need for Action
The Marry Me Informal Settlement has long been grappling with a surge in criminal activity, and the patrollers were attempting to provide some semblance of security in the area. Residents have repeatedly reported crimes, but they claim no significant action has been taken by authorities. One resident shared their frustration, saying, “We are tired of the crime in our community. People are dying, and we don’t know where to turn.”
A Call for Registered Community Patrollers
Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in Gauteng, has urged community patrollers to register with the Community Policing Forums (CPF). He suggested that if these patrollers were officially registered, they would have had better access to resources and support, which could have prevented such a tragic outcome. “Community policing must be done through formal structures like the CPF to ensure the safety and security of volunteers,” he emphasized.
SAPS Response and Investigation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is actively investigating the attack, and Premier Lesufi confirmed that the case is being handled at a provincial level. He expressed confidence in the police’s efforts, saying, “I’ve been briefed on the investigation. The police have gathered valuable evidence and are determined to find those responsible.”
The SAPS has committed to apprehending the criminals within the next 72 hours, and forensic evidence collected from the crime scene is currently being analyzed. Premier Lesufi also noted that this is not the first violent incident in the area. Three weeks ago, a woman was murdered in a shack, prompting the community to establish their own patrol group to safeguard their neighborhood.
Community Support and Government’s Commitment
During his address, Premier Lesufi reassured the community that the government would take steps to address the persistent crime problem. He promised to return to the settlement next Wednesday, March 26, to further discuss the pressing issues of safety and criminal activity. The Premier also acknowledged the importance of supporting community-based initiatives and expressed gratitude to those who volunteer to make their neighborhoods safer.
Political Leaders React to the Tragedy
Ms. Jane Mananiso, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, has condemned the mass shooting. She described the attack as “extremely gruesome” and voiced her support for the victims. “These community patrollers are selfless volunteers working to ensure the safety of our people,” she said. “It is a sad day when those who fight for our communities are killed in cold blood.”
Ms. Mananiso also stressed the need for greater collaboration between authorities and the community in tackling criminal elements. “We must unite as a community to rid ourselves of these criminals and ensure that justice is served,” she urged.
The Ongoing Fight Against Crime in Gauteng
The incident in Marry Me is a reminder of the serious challenges facing Gauteng’s communities in the fight against crime. SAPS has been working tirelessly to ensure that criminals are apprehended and brought to justice. In another case, the SAPS recently arrested four suspects, including two police officers, for their involvement in truck hijackings and carjackings in Kempton Park. This case highlights the dedication of SAPS officers who are committed to cleaning up their ranks and maintaining law and order.
Premier Lesufi’s assurance that the police will leave no stone unturned in this investigation shows the commitment to making Gauteng a safer place. With continued efforts from law enforcement and the community, there is hope that the ongoing violence in Soshanguve and surrounding areas will eventually be brought to an end.
The Path Forward
In the wake of these tragic events, the community’s call for justice grows louder. The loss of six brave patrollers has left a void in the Marry Me Informal Settlement, but their sacrifice has also highlighted the urgent need for more structured and coordinated efforts to address crime.
While the investigation continues, the support from Premier Lesufi, SAPS, and the local government remains crucial in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. The road to safety in Soshanguve may be long, but with continued vigilance, action, and community support, there is hope for a better future.
