Tears, faith, and unity as Reiger Park remembers shooting victims

The deceased will be laid to rest in separate funeral services over the weekend.

November 7, 2025

Fanie Mthupha 1 minute read

A coloured woman holding a baby at a memorial service in reiger park — The mother of one of the victims of the mass shooting, Megan Niewenhuys, fights back tears as friends and family members remember the lives of her daughter, Ruth Faith Marais (32), and her sister’s daughter, Patricia Niewenhuys (41).

Residents, including community leaders and faith representatives from different religions and traditions, gathered last night at three venues in Reiger Park to honour the lives lost in last weekend’s mass shooting.

The community stood shoulder to shoulder in grief and solidarity, sharing moments of reflection, prayer, and hope.
Several speakers led the memorial services, reflecting on loss, resilience, and the need for change in the troubled community. Each victim was remembered as a loved one whose light continues to shine in their families and the community at large.

A group of people praying at a memorial service held in a church in Reiger Park. — Loved ones gathered at the Harvest of Christ Church for a memorial service in honour of Faith Marais and Patricia Niewnhuys.

Ward councillor Edith Klassen praised residents for their unity and compassion. She described the services, which featured prayers, tears, and music, as a true reflection of Reiger Park’s spirit of togetherness.
“Everything went smoothly, and we thank all the parties involved, including the EMPD and SAPS, for the continued efforts to ensure safety as the families and friends are working to give their loved ones a dignified send-off,” Klassen said.
Without giving details for safety concerns, the councillor added that one of the three hospitalised victims was discharged from hospital.

The deceased will be laid to rest in separate funeral services over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.

Community members, friends and families gathered at one of the memorial services held in Reiger Park on November 6 to remember the lives of Ruth Faith Marais (32) and her 41-year-old cousin Patricia Niewenhuys. They were killed in a mass shooting in the township last weekend.

Community members, friends and families gathered at one of the memorial services held in Reiger Park on November 6, to remember the lives of Patricia Niewenhuys (44) and her cousin Ruth Faith Marais (32), who were killed in the mass shooting in the township last weekend.

Security measures in place
According to the ward councillor, police (SAPS and EMPD) have assured residents that safety and security plans are in place for the funerals.
“They assured the community that officers will maintain a visible presence in the area throughout the weekend to ensure the gatherings take place peacefully. Patrols will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Turning pain into purpose
As mourning continues, residents and local leaders are turning pain into purpose. Conversations about safety and social support are beginning to take shape, with renewed commitment to building a safer community.

Also Read: WATCH: Reiger Park shootings: Masemola, Lesufi try to assure tense crowd arrests will be made

Friends, family pay tribute to Patricia and Faith

Mourners gathered at Harvest Church on Thursday night to celebrate the lives of cousins Faith Marais (32) and Patricia Niewnhuys (41), victims of the Reiger Park mass shooting that claimed six lives on November 1.