Over the past two weeks, Springs has experienced a spate of violent incidents, including a stabbing, shootings, and hijackings.

The Springs SAPS has invited residents to attend an engagement session on Thursday at 12:00 in the Shoprite Springs parking lot, where these issues will be addressed.

Among the victims of the recent violence is 11-year-old Waldo Verwey, who died after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.

In another incident, a 46-year-old woman was shot and killed after being held hostage by a 77-year-old man in Edelweiss during the early hours of October 11.

According to Springs SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Charity Zwane, police responded to the scene while the suspect was still inside the house, threatening to shoot anyone who entered.

“The police contacted a hostage negotiator to defuse the situation before arresting the suspect and seizing a firearm,” she said.

She added that the woman, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was inside the house. A reliable source revealed that the deceased was the owner of a local establishment in Selcourt.

“The case is still under investigation,” Zwane said.

Just a day earlier, a man was killed after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in a shooting on First Avenue in the Springs CBD.

An eyewitness said the culprits fled the scene in a white Honda Accent, prompting police to issue an alert for the vehicle.

“Security officers spotted the vehicle and arrested one suspect, while the second suspect is still at large. The motive behind the shooting is unknown, and the case is under investigation,” said Zwane.

Springs CPF deputy chairperson André Strauss said they have noticed an escalation in violent crime across Springs, with all areas showing an increase. He added that as patrols intensify in one area, criminal activity tends to shift to less-prioritised areas.

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“We have increased our patrols and are actively engaging with the community through indabas. One such indaba will be held on October 16 to discuss how we can further improve safety in problem areas,” he said.

Strauss urged the community to remain alert, be aware of their surroundings, and ensure that they are not being followed home.

He attributed the increase in crime to the misuse of alcohol and the presence of areas with easy access and escape routes.

“Crimes are more likely in areas where unfamiliar vehicles and individuals go unnoticed. As the CPF, we need more sector vehicles for continuous patrols across all areas and fully functional streetlights, as darkness allows criminals to hide and escape easily,” he said.

Strauss said the CPF is working with the SAPS and other role players to ensure the ongoing safety of all residents.

“Let us join hands, stand united, and work together to make our community safer for all,” he said.