Residents of Vusimuzi Informal Settlement in Ward 90, Thembisa, are living in deep fear following the discovery of 18 bodies in the area since April 2025.

Despite 18 murder investigation dockets being opened, only three cases have resulted in arrests so far, leaving 15 families without justice.

The recent death of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo has once again exposed the escalating, deadly violent crime gripping the community.

Key Findings from Official Response

The alarming figures came to light following an oral question submitted in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

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The response from Premier Andrek Panyaza Lesufi, in his capacity as the Executive Authority for the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, confirmed the grim details surrounding the deaths:

• 18 murder dockets opened since April 2025.
• Only 3 arrests made across all cases.
• Causes of Death:
  • 7 victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
  • 5 victims were fatally assaulted.
  • 4 victims died from burn injuries.
  • 2 victims were fatally stabbed.

Root causes and policing challenges

In its formal reply, the Department acknowledged several critical environmental and social factors that contribute to high crime levels in Vusimuzi:

• Alcohol-Fueled Crime: Approximately 90% of all reported crimes in Vusimuzi are liquor-related, predominantly involving assault and domestic violence.
• Infrastructure Deficits: Inadequate street and Apollo lighting, poor road conditions, restricted vehicle accessibility, and absent or duplicated house numbers hamper rapid emergency and police response.
• Unlicensed Outlets: Authorities reported closing down 20 unlicensed shebeens and one non-compliant tavern during the reporting period.

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While Tembisa South SAPS and local law enforcement carry out daily visible patrols, stop-and-search operations, and targeted operations such as Operation Shanela, community leaders argue these measures are insufficient given the low conviction rates.

Call for Urgent Action

Refiloe Nt’sekhe MPL, DA Thembisa South Constituency Head, criticized the state of safety in the settlement:

“The loss of 18 lives in 18 months is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of policing in this area. These are not merely numbers on a spreadsheet; these are 18 people whose lives have been prematurely taken.”

The party announced plans to table follow-up questions to determine the exact number of operational vehicles and personnel assigned to Tembisa South Police Station.

They are also urging Premier Panyaza Lesufi to collaborate with Acting National Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to devolve policing powers to the province, increase police personnel on the ground, and urgently address enabling infrastructure like street lighting and road access.