The community of Toekomsrus is reeling from a recent wave of violent crime, with the December 1 murder of a Community Policing Forum (CPF) patroller coming just days after a deadly tavern attack linked to alleged illegal miners.

Randfontein CPF chairperson Ruan Sheppard confirmed that the patroller was stabbed to death.

“He had been working the night shift as a school patroller at Randfontein Secondary School. It is alleged that he was on his way to buy food when he encountered criminals who stabbed him. He later died at the Toekomsrus Police Station,” Sheppard said.

According to Barries Barnard, the *Mohlakeng CPF chairperson, the earlier incident took place on November 21 when alleged illegal miners entered a local tavern shortly after 20:00 and opened fire.

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“A woman was fatally shot, one man was wounded in the leg, another in the chest, and a third man, who was shot in the back, later died in the hospital. A man attempting to flee outside the tavern was also shot. Another man inside the tavern sustained a head injury after being struck with an axe,” said Barnard.

He said both the tavern and a nearby shop were robbed during the attack.

Police were contacted for comment, but none had been received by the time of publication. An update will be provided once the comment becomes available.

*This article was amended after it was published. It previously stated that Barries Barnard is the Toekomsrus CPF chairperson, but the newspaper has since been informed that he is in fact the Mohlakeng CPF chairperson. The Herald apologises for any confusion caused. — Ed.