Gun violence continues to claim lives in Reiger Park, the latest including two Anti-Gang Unit police officers and two female civilians last night at around 19:30.

This is according to a police statement released shortly after the incident.

“Preliminary reports indicate the members were part of a crime prevention team conducting patrols in the area. After hearing gunshots, they drove towards the source of the shots, where they were allegedly ambushed.”

The Provincial SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has mobilised “all the necessary resources including Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team, Crime Scene Management and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation”.

Boksburg Advertiser recently reported that police in Reiger Park were optimistic of a breakthrough 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.

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

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