The metro has expressed concerns about a recent spate of murders that took place in Plastic View, east of Pretoria.
This after a third murder took place at the weekend in the overcrowded informal settlement.
Tshwane mayor Stevens Mokgalapa, speaking to Rekord, said “the metro is currently busy with a development proposal for the informal settlement, which would see alleviation to the congestion and crime experienced in the area.
“There are plans for development in the area and public lighting is a priority.
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“In the meantime, we call on restraint and calm while we find an amicable longstanding solution.”
Crime activist Yusuf Abramjee said “it’s time police woke up and address the issue”.
“We cannot allow more murders. Enough is enough.
“I hope police get to the bottom of this with urgency; I also appeal to the community to come forward with information.”
Police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe told Rekord that Garsfontein police station commander Colonel Kervin Solomons had met with the community leaders this week and would be addressing them on the weekend to help stem the violence.
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“We have police who conduct operations.
“The challenge from police’s side is that some of the Apollo lights within that area are not working, which is a matter the Tshwane metro has to address,” said Selepe.
Selepe said on Sunday morning, a man was found stabbed to death in the settlement.
“The motive of the murder at this stage is unknown and police are investigating a case of murder,” she said.
Selepe said the murder of the male victim at this stage is not linked to the two murders that occurred the previous week.
Last week, “a group of four unknown men arrived at a shebeen to buy beers”.
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“In the premises there were three women, the owner and two women who worked in the shebeen.”
Selepe said shortly after the suspects bought beers, they asked to buy additional beers and the owner of the shebeen informed them that the place was closed.
“They insisted on buying more beers. While being served, one of the suspects took out a firearm and pointed it at the three women.”
She said the suspects took money, sexually assaulted one of the women and thereafter shot the owner of the shebeen.
“The suspects then raped the third victim and took her away from the shebeen on foot.”
A search by detectives and the police’s K9 unit was instituted immediately, but with no success.
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“The body of the third victim who was kidnapped and raped was [later] discovered by the community in Plastic View.”
Selepe said the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murders are unknown at this stage.
Tshwane district commissioner Major General Daniel Mthombeni strongly condemned the crime.
He assured the community that the police would work around the clock to ensure that those responsible were arrested and faced the full might of the law.
Police have launched a manhunt for the four suspects.
A case of double murder, rape, kidnapping and business robbery has been opened as part of the investigation.
Anyone with information that could help in the two murder investigations are urged to visit their nearest police station, call 08600-1011 or 082-444- 4354 to report information anonymously.
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