WATCH: Reiger Park shootings: Masemola, Lesufi try to assure tense crowd arrests will be made
Community members and local leaders have called for stronger policing and urgent action to stop gang-related bloodshed in the area.
“We want justice.”
These were the words echoing outside the Reiger Park police station on November 2 as angry and heartbroken residents gathered to demand answers following a mass shooting the previous night, that claimed six lives and left three others injured.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the community on Sunday to address residents and receive a full briefing from local police commanders.
Tensions ran high as residents waited to be addressed. Pastor Wayne Ballakistan had to calm the crowd before Masemola spoke.Masemola told the community: “We must make it clear that such incidents cannot continue.
The police currently deployed here will remain to stabilise the area. We will bring in a dedicated investigation team to probe what has been happening in Reiger Park.”
Masemola told the community: “We must make it clear that such incidents cannot continue. The police currently deployed here will remain to stabilise the area. We will bring in a dedicated investigation team to probe what has been happening in Reiger Park.”
Masemola urged residents to work closely with law enforcement to help identify those responsible for the killings.
“We will find and arrest the individuals behind these attacks. I’m encouraged by the cooperation we’ve already seen- many of you have been forthcoming with information, and that will help us act swiftly.”
He added that engagements with other affected communities will take place later this week to discuss both immediate and long-term interventions, involving departments such as education and social development.
Lesufi called for a firm stance from the police.
“The police must take their place and ensure we don’t meet because people are dead, but because criminals are being arrested,” said Lesufi.
He said it was disheartening to hear that some officers were working with criminals.
“Every time communities say they see police officers working on the other side, we need to take this seriously.”
Lesufi commended Reiger Park residents for their unity and swift communication, which helped authorities respond quickly to the tragedy.
“I’ve never seen you rally like you did last night. Your messages and posts helped us deploy the police faster. Thank you for standing together. We will get those responsible, and justice must be served.”
Meanwhile, SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the police are searching for two known suspects in connection with the shootings.
She said the motive behind the shootings is believed to be gang-related, though investigations are still underway.
It has also come to light that one of the deceased died while he was protecting his toddler. The child sustained minor injuries.
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Also Read: [VIDEO] Reiger Park violence: Community in mourning seeks urgent intervention
