Four community patrollers were shot and killed, while eight others were injured and are in hospital.
According to residents who wished to remain anonymous, the shocking incident happened on the morning of Saturday, 22 March.
Residents said they were awakened by gunshots.
The deceased and injured patrollers are from Marry Me informal settlement in Extension 3, Soshanguve, Tshwane.
A 62-year-old dad shared that his 28-year-old daughter was shot and is hospitalized.
“This is painful, and it was so sad to hear of such a bad incident,” he said.
He claimed that other patrollers came to collect her around 9pm on Friday.
“She told me she was going to work, and in the morning around 6am, I heard the sad news,” he said.
A 34-year-old woman from the area remarked that the patrollers were doing a great job fighting crime.
“We are experiencing crime in the area. We don’t know where the killers are from. We are even afraid and not safe because of crime. Thugs are robbing us of our valuables in our shacks,” she said.
A 49-year-old man said that the patrollers were doing a great job.
“We want justice and for all the thugs who shot and killed them to be arrested. We need police visibility during the day and night. We are scared to continue with patrolling,” he said.
Gauteng Police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili said four counts of murder and eight counts of attempted murder have been opened.
“The police in Soshanguve responded to a crime scene at about 06:00 at Marry Me Informal Settlement Ext 3.
“The police found four bodies with gunshot wounds and partially burned. Witnesses reported that eight other victims were taken to hospital in private vehicles and ambulances.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that at about 03:00, a group of community-based patrollers were gathering to continue their patrols when they saw five people on the street,” she said.
Muridili said as the group approached the five individuals, a quarrel broke out, resulting in four deaths and eight injuries.
“The motive for the attack will be determined by investigations. The Provincial and District Serious and Violent Crime Investigations, together with forensic experts, are currently collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
“Public Order Police, as well as Soshanguve members, are in the area to ensure stability,” said Muridili.
