By Everson Luhanga
One person was shot dead and two others were rushed to hospital after being shot in Diepsloot on Monday night.
Community forum leader Loyiso Toyiya said the incident happened around 7 pm when a car with an unknown number of occupants opened fire on patrons at a tavern in Diepsloot’s extension 2.
Toyiya said the incident shocked many residents, who have seen an increased number of police officials patrolling the notorious streets of this crime-ridden Gauteng township.
The shooting comes two days after Minister of Police Bheki Cele accompanied by Gauteng senior officials conducted Operation Shanela in the community and arrested several people for different crimes, including 60 undocumented foreigners.
Toyiya said the community had hoped to see increased police visibility with some doing foot patrol.
“We have several police vehicles from different police stations across the province conducting operations in the township.
“Our minister of police announced on Saturday the ministry has deployed a Tactical Response Team (TRT) in the area which was a relief to hear. We thought crime would go down.
“But we have been seeing a similar trend of criminals intimidating residents by randomly discharging firearms. We have also seen people reporting crimes,” he said.
He denied rumours that these crimes were being comitted by people with drug addictions.
“A nyaope addict cannot drive and can’t own a gun. They steal small things like pots and washing to sell and feed their addiction. They are not involved in these kinds of crimes,” said Toyiya.
Some residents have said the issue of crime in Diepsloot needs divine intervention.
“Diepsloot needs God’s intervention. Without God, nothing will change. It’s getting out of hand.”
The concerned woman said the community needs to come together and pray to God to restore peace.
In recent months Diepsloot residents have been protesting against crime.
Pictured above: Diepsloot residents marching on the street
Image source: Everson Luhanga
