We have funerals almost every week – Toekies residents speak about gun, gang violence

The community of Toekomsrus is in turmoil because of the increase in gang and gun violence. They are crying out for help as lives are lost due to the escalation of crime.

The Randfontein Herald had an exclusive interview with two individuals who have been victims of these crimes. These victims will be kept anonymous due to their vulnerable positions.

The first victim was shot twice on September 9, 2023. He claimed that the perpetrator who shot him was part of a well-known gang in the community.

On the day of the incident, the perpetrator approached the victim. A heated argument ensued whereafter it turned physical. The victim explained he started running when he noticed the perpetrator was holding a gun in his left hand. While running, the victim stated his legs gave in and consequently he fell to the ground.

He further mentioned the perpetrator stood above him and held him at gunpoint. He was shot in the hip and the knee.

The victim said a case of attempted murder was opened.

“The police started looking for the perpetrator since he ran away after shooting me. He ran away three times before he eventually turned himself in to the police. The next day he was in court. He did not stand before the magistrate before his bail was approved. I was also asked to withdraw the case,” he claimed.

He claimed that one of his case’s witnesses was also intimidated by the perpetrator to lie in court. The witness went to the police to state the said intimidation. According to him, the perpetrator still received R1 000 bail.

Another victim spoke out about her traumatic experience.

“On November 12, 2023, my son was brutally assaulted with a jack. Three men, who are also known troublemakers, attacked my son,” she said.

Due to the impact of the injury, the victim stated her son lost his one eye.

She stated she was hellbent on catching the perpetrator after causing life-changing injuries to her son.

“The suspect was arrested in February after spending countless nights driving with the police to help catch him,” she said.

Even though her hopes of achieving justice were high, she claimed she was soon disappointed after the perpetrator’s bail was approved.

“The justice system is failing us. It hurts the community deeply knowing that we have no support. It is getting worse by the day,” she expressed.

The Herald attended an event in June where the community gathered to pray for the lives lost to gun and gang violence. Rashida Abrahams delivered a heartbreaking speech about the gang violence occurring in Toekomsrus, emphasising the number of lives that were unnecessarily taken.

• Also read: Help the Toekies CPF fight crime

Furthermore, the Herald also recently attended a meeting where the provincial police visited the community to speak about crime issues.

Representatives from the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), along with community members and stakeholders, gathered at the Toekomsrus community hall. AGU commander Brigadier Maphoto confronted the community, assisting them with possible solutions regarding the violence.

He addressed the issues of drugs, allegations from residents claiming that the Mohlakeng police are not doing their job, lack of police visibility and police corruption.

He also mentioned the name of a well-known gang member who he confirmed has been harassing residents.

Members of the public were allowed to ask questions after Maphoto gave his speech. Resident Rashida Abrahams took the stand where she expressed her frustration.

“I wish the judiciary was here today. It feels like the Department of Justice has failed us. We have funerals almost every week. I am not saying that all the police officers are corrupt, but we are aware of some who are. Toekomsrus is not being looked after. Parents are sitting here who are mourning their children.

“The Department of Basic Education is also failing us concerning our children. When we call the police about a crime, they only manage to come the following day. I am not scared to talk anymore. We have had enough and we have reached our boiling point. I hope this is the last meeting we have about these issues. We are willing to stand with the police if they come up with a plan,” she expressed.

The judiciary did not attend the event due to unknown reasons.

Sandra Abrahams spoke about the crime rates among the youth.

“It is sad to see that the Department of Basic Education did not show up. I am a teacher working at these schools but we are not the teachers anymore because the children make their own rules. If we were to do something to a child, even in self-defence, the police would be very quick to arrest us.

“I also feel like the police are failing us in regards to house break-ins,” she concluded.

The Herald has spoken to the police regarding these allegations and former district spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya confirmed it is being investigated.

Numerous attempts have been made to contact the judiciary for comment, however none has been received.