Police in Reiger Park believe they may have made progress in their fight against gang violence following the arrest of a 23-year-old man allegedly linked to a string of violent crimes, including attempted murder and armed robbery.

However, their optimism was short-lived after the suspect, who was arrested on July 27, was released when his scheduled first appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court did not proceed because the matter was not placed on the court roll.

Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga confirmed the suspect had previously been arrested on charges including attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

He was out on bail when he was arrested again earlier this week.

The arrest was made by the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, which is currently deployed in Reiger Park to combat persistent gang violence, drug-related crime and deadly shootings that have sparked growing concern among residents.

Also Read: No arrests months after deadly Reiger Park mass shooting

Police allege the suspect is a leader of a notorious gang operating in the township and that he allegedly recently shot and injured a member of a rival gang. He was arrested while appearing in court in connection with another criminal matter.

According to police, the victim in the latest attempted murder case identified the suspect as the person who shot him. Police further confirmed that the same suspect had previously been arrested after allegedly shooting the same victim several years ago.

Police appeal for community cooperation
Responding to questions from the Boksburg Advertiser about criticism from residents who believe police are failing to curb the ongoing gang violence and drug trade, police said significant resources have been redirected to Reiger Park, including the deployment of the specialised Anti-Gang Unit to support the local station.

Police said one of the biggest challenges they face is the reluctance of witnesses and community members to provide information or testify.

“Many arrests are made, but in most cases suspects are released because witnesses are unwilling to come forward, leaving insufficient evidence to link them to the crimes. In some instances, cases are not even placed on the court roll,” said police sources, who requested anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media on behalf of the station.

Despite these challenges, Acting Station Commander Captain Captain JG Whitford commended officers for their dedication and urged residents to work with police instead of protecting criminals.

DA calls for decisive action
Meanwhile, the DA in the City of Ekurhuleni has condemned the escalating gang violence in Reiger Park, saying residents continue to live in fear.

In a statement, the party’s PR councillor, Izelle Senol, referred to violent clashes on July 19 during which alleged gang members reportedly opened fire on SAPS officers while they were carrying out their duties.
Police have since confirmed the incident to the Boksburg Advertiser, but provided additional details.

According to police, officers responded to reports of an active shooting believed to have been a clash between rival gangs. Upon arriving at the scene, the gunfire continued, resulting in an exchange of fire between the suspects and police before the gunmen fled.

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Police said they believe the 23-year-old suspect arrested earlier this week was among those involved in the incident and that investigations are continuing.
“Following the incident, private security companies intervened to help restore order in the community.

For years, the ANC-led coalition government has promised residents strengthened crime-fighting operations and meaningful interventions. Yet gang violence persists, murders continue, and community members remain trapped in fear,” said Senol.

Senol also argued that poor infrastructure maintenance has contributed to the crime problem.
“Almost the entire neighbourhood of Reiger Park remains in darkness because of broken streetlights, making it easier for gangsters to operate,” she said.

The party has called on the MMC for Community Safety to publicly account for the city’s response within seven days and to present a detailed long-term strategy to dismantle organised criminal networks.

“Residents of Reiger Park deserve more than temporary solutions and empty promises. They need consistent law enforcement, successful prosecutions, quality municipal services and decisive leadership,” Senol added.

The Boksburg Advertiser has requested comment from the MMC for Community Safety regarding the DA’s concerns and the city’s response to gang violence in Reiger Park. No response had been received by the time of publication.

Gauteng figures highlight growing concern
The DA in Gauteng has also criticised what it describes as the provincial government’s failure to tackle gang violence, citing figures released by Premier Panyaza Lesufi in response to questions from the party.

According to the DA, organised criminal gangs have been responsible for 258 murders in Gauteng over the past four years. During the same period, 678 gang-related violent crimes, including 408 attempted murders, were recorded, while police registered 979 gangsterism-related cases.

The party said gang violence remains concentrated in hotspots including Reiger Park, Sophiatown, Westbury, Eldorado Park, Riverlea, and Mohlakeng.

Although 641 suspects have been arrested and 189 illegal firearms seized, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety Michael Sun MPL warned that the increase in confiscated firearms suggests gangs are becoming more heavily armed.

Sun also criticised what he described as inadequate funding for anti-gang initiatives, saying only R3.8 million has been allocated to the Anti-Gang Unit, with no dedicated budget for investigations.

“Gangsterism requires intelligence-led operations, specialised investigative units and meaningful prevention programmes, not underfunded responses,” he said.

Also Read: Gun violence claims another life in Reiger Park