Reiger Park: Army temporarily deployed to protect civilians following another deadly Friday night
Two R5 rifles were stolen from the policemen.
Fear continues to grip the community of Reiger Park, with residents expressing anger at the “normalised” violence they live with.
This after two women and two members of the Provincial SAPS Anti-Gang Unit were murdered on Friday night (August 7) in a shooting on the corner of Erica and Buttercups streets at around 19:15.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia was in Reiger Park the next day for a press briefing and said the army has been deployed temporarily to keep the community safe.
Initial reports indicated the police officers, Constable T Tlomatsane and Constable S Sibeko, were ambushed when they responded to the sound of gunfire.
What had transpired is that the two women, Roleen Lessing ( 36) and Jaydin Magerman (27), were on their way to a shop when they were shot through the front windscreen of their vehicle, a red VW Polo.
The officers were shot when they responded to this shooting, it is believed by the same assailants who shot the women. They managed to drive a short distance down Erica Street before colliding with a wall.
All four victims were declared dead on the scene.
Two R5 rifles were stolen from the policemen.
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Boksburg Advertiser was in the area on Saturday (August 8) and spoke to residents.
Nobody wanted to be named but said they are devastated and angry about the violence, which they believe has become normalised in the area.
“We feel devastated and angry, as this has been something that has been normalised,” one resident said.
The attack has also left residents worried about the safety of their families and children.
“My children’s lives are threatened. I’m even scared to take them to school, and I don’t know how to protect them from this,” said another community member.
Soldiers have since been deployed to help protect the community. Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said the deployment would be temporary.
“We’ve deployed the army, but they won’t be here for long,” Cachalia said.
Four murder cases and a case of armed robbery are being investigated.
Residents have called for lasting solutions to address ongoing violence and improved safety in the community and the police have called on the community to come forward with information.
Share information anonymously at Crime Stop – 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
ALSO READ: Gun violence claims another life in Reiger Park
