Two people were killed, and three others were injured in separate shooting incidents believed to be linked to ongoing gang violence in Reiger Park.

This township has long battled drugs and organised crime despite repeated government interventions.
According to police, the incidents happened within minutes of each other on the evening of April 11.

In the first incident, Donald Noel Samuels (63) and Dustin Slava were sitting inside a white VW Polo at the corner of Clearance September and Granada streets when an unidentified vehicle pulled up alongside them.

Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga said occupants of the unknown vehicle got out and opened fire on the victims.
“The driver of the victims’ car attempted to flee but crashed into a nearby wall. The attackers then fired at them again,” said Msimanga.

“Both men were declared dead at the scene. The motive for the attack is still unknown.”

Police have also opened two counts of attempted murder following a second shooting along Erica Street.
In this incident, two men were sitting outside when another unknown vehicle arrived, and the occupants began shooting.

One victim was shot in the right arm, while the other sustained gunshot wounds to his back and left arm. The injured victims were rushed to the hospital.

Police investigations underway
Police have opened cases of double murder and attempted murder as investigations continue into both incidents.

The latest attacks come months after a mass shooting on November 1 that left six people dead and three injured. No arrests have been made in that case.

A suspect arrested shortly after the November attack was expected to appear in court, but the matter was not placed on the court roll due to insufficient evidence.

Reiger Park SAPS has urged residents to come forward with information to help end the ongoing violence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS app.

Calls for stronger policing
Following the November massacre, residents protested outside the Reiger Park police station, demanding justice and improved policing.
In response, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi later visited the area, promising increased police presence and a specialised investigative team.

Masemola assured the community that those responsible would be arrested, while Lesufi stressed the need for decisive action and raised concerns about allegations of police collusion with criminals.

Councillor says police presence is too weak
Ward councillor Edith Klassen has criticised the level of policing in the area, saying it is far too limited to deal with ongoing gang violence.

She said only one anti-gang unit vehicle with about five officers is currently deployed, which she described as insufficient.

Klassen added that calls for army deployment have not been acted on, and questioned whether such intervention would be sustainable.
Instead, she called for consistent policing operations and regular raids in known drug and crime hotspots.

Mistrust
Klassen also raised concern about growing mistrust between residents and law enforcement, warning that allegations of police involvement with criminals are discouraging community cooperation.
She said this puts informants at risk and undermines efforts to solve crimes.

Community urged to remain calm
Following the latest shootings, Klassen urged residents to remain calm, support affected families, and avoid exposing children to violent scenes.
“Let us stand together as a community, show compassion and support one another in this time of grief,” she said.

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