By Everson Luhanga
Diepsloot has witnessed another violent death of a victim at the hands of criminals when a man was gunned down on Thursday night. Another man survived with gunshot wounds.
The dead man who has not yet been identified was shot and killed in Diepsloot’s extension 12 around 10 pm.
He is the fifth victim in less than a week to have been shot and killed.
On Saturday night four people were gunned down in different locations prompting the Gauteng police to launch a manhunt for the assailants. It is not clear what has sparked the killings.
In a police statement released on Monday, Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said: “It cannot be confirmed at this stage if the incidents can be linked to the same perpetrators.”
Brigadier Muridili appealed to the public to help the police trace suspects.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, Diepsloot Community Forum leader Loyiso Toyiya said there are no more words to describe what is happening in this crime-ridden township.
“We have done everything. We have had several marches to the local police station, provincial police offices and even the Union Buildings in 2023. Nothing has changed. We are confused and demoralised,” said Toyiya.
One resident said there had been a group of gun-carrying men going door-to-door and shooting at people.
Several residents are calling on the military to be deployed full-time in the area and patrol door-to-door with community members.
“Soldiers must come to Diepsloot. He have had enough ra fela,” said a resident.
“What is the difference between us and the people of Palestine? We are being killed daily. We live in a warzone.”
Meanwhile, dozens of Diepsloot residents have come to Pastor Rose’s church in ext 9 for a memorial service for crime fighter Abel Sithole known as Absa. Absa was one of the four people gunned down on Saturday night.
He will be buried in Limpopo this coming weekend.
Pictured above: Diepsloot community demands the deployment of soldiers in their town.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
