Police attacked: Group of unknown suspects open fire on police
The police were responding to a shooting incident in Wentworth when a group of suspects attacked them.
POLICE officers responding to a shooting incident in the Wentworth area came under attack from an unruly gang who opened fire and hurled stones at the police upon their arrival.
The police retaliated, and the suspects fled the scene.
Also read: Tragic shooting claims life of 16-year-old in Wentworth
The police were attending to a scene of crime where another teenager was shot dead in an apparent gang-related attack. Sources at the scene revealed that the suspects ran in different directions when the police retaliated.
“The situation is volatile in the Wentworth area. These gangs shoot randomly at anyone they come across.
“There were no injuries reported. The police and a private security company are on the scene to monitor the situation,” a source said.
Prior to this, another person was shot dead on Tuesday night (May 21). It is alleged that the victim was walking near Woodville Road when the incident happened. Police spokesperson in Wentworth Captain Mbuso Gumede said the police opened a case of murder, however, no arrests have been made at this stage.
Also read: Community urged to assist in taking a stand against crime
A surge in criminal activity has gripped the community of Wentworth and surrounding communities, leaving residents on edge and living in fear as shootings become an all too frequent occurrence.
Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman called on the public to remain vigilant as crime is spiralling out of control in the area. He also urged the police to act swiftly in arresting the perpetrators.
“It is very sad that another [teenager] has lost his life and others keep losing their lives because of these ongoing shootings that are taking place in the various areas of Ward 68. Quite often, there is shooting because of the wheeling and dealing of drugs in the community. If the perpetrators are not arrested and put in jail, this will continue occurring, and more lives are going to be lost. This kind of behaviour must now come to an end. Shootings occur in the hotspot areas. The community is under siege, stressed and traumatised, and this cannot go on forever.
“The police must take control of the situation and have this kind of behaviour taken seriously and addressed with utmost urgency. I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends,” said Snyman.
This is a developing story – further details will follow as soon as more information becomes available.
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