An angry Reiger Park community is pressing for a permanent anti-gang presence after four people, including two officers attached to the anti-gang unit, were murdered in a mass shooting.
The community of Reiger Park in Ekurhuleni continues to demand a permanent anti-gang policing presence following the mass shooting in which four people were killed, among them two police officers attached to the anti-gang unit.
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia addressed residents in the aftermath and directed police management to use every lawful tactic to dismantle violent gangs. "I want to say to those gang leaders, don't think that the people of this country are not watching you," he said. "Don't think that you can continue to steal young people from their parents, and don't think you can kill police officers with impunity."
The matter remains before the courts, where a third accused has alleged that he was assaulted and tortured by police. The Bulletin notes that allegations of that nature must be investigated independently and swiftly; a case that collapses on procedural abuse serves nobody, least of all the bereaved families.
Ekurhuleni structures have been instructed to work with the Community Policing Forum on a ward-level safety audit covering street lighting, abandoned buildings and known drug outlets, with findings submitted to the region before the end of the month.
Branches in Boksburg and surrounding wards will host a candlelight remembrance for the four victims and their families.