SEBOKENG – A series of heart-wrenching incidents of violence and crime has left residents of Polokong in panic.
This was evident on Sunday, August 27, when the close-knit community on the outskirts of Sebokeng organized a prayer session at their community hall to pray for mercy and redemption over the scourge of murders, accidents, and growing crime.
According to dozens of residents, gunshots are heard each weekend, leaving either one or more victims brutally murdered.
Since the beginning of the year, the kasi has been left grappling with grief and shock following a spate of incidents that have left families shattered and friends devastated.
Sedibeng Ster reported with a series of articles on how many youngsters have been murdered during random tavern shoot-outs, stabbings, and violent attacks from robbers.
Since 29 May 2021, the community mourned the passing of many of their own, starting with Moses Mashaba who lost his life to a senseless act of violence.
In a continuing devastating sequence, Sandi Fortune Sithole also lost his life when he was shot and killed in 2022.
Early this year, on 13 May, the lives of Lebohang Ramagaga (19) and Neo Tsheole (28) were cut short by a tragic tavern shooting incident, leaving a void that can never be filled.
Two killed, one injured following a shoot-out by random assailants in Polokong
Just a month ago on 31 July 2023, the community was rocked by another shocking incident when Habtamu Takile, a Pakistani national, fell victim to a fatal shooting.
The incident once again highlighted the far-reaching impact of violence and the need for unity in times of tragedy.
As candles were lit and prayers were offered, the shared pain transformed into a powerful sense of peace and comfort for the mourning community.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, one of two organizers of the event, Tshepo Mgcina said: “This candlelight prayer is to resurrect a healthy spirit of living in Polokong, to resurface the connection with and to seek for guidance and strength Including the protection within our community.”
“We urged residents and those who attended to bring their own white candles as we were seeking lightness from God and remove the bad spirit of continuous horrific deaths in our community,” he said.
Mgcina said the prayer is a sign that the community is fed up with all the deaths in their community.
“We barely enjoy our beauty sleep because of the gunshots we endure each weekend. We are tired of mourning and crying. This session is a symbol of enough is enough,” he said.
Maria Ramagaga (52) mother to slain Lebohang said “at least these sessions show that residents care about the youth in our society. We may have lost our children, but no other parent should loss theirs in the same manner. Enough is enough.”
