Thursday night in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, two males were gunned murdered in an execution-style manner, prompting the police to launch a manhunt.
Reportedly, a group of men were relaxing inside an apartment in extension two, also known as B section, when they were fired with gunfire through a window by unknown gunmen.
Two guys died at the site, while three others were taken to a nearby medical facility.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, provincial police commissioner, stated that the motivation for the shooting cannot be determined at this time, but gangsterism in the area is suspected.
Charis Pretorius, a community organizer, stated, “Six months ago, we identified B sector as a crime hotspot and demanded continual visible policing. However, police patrol the area for no more than two hours and only return when violence has broken out.”
The ongoing gun violence in Eldorado Park, according to anti-drug campaigner Dereleen James, demonstrates the police’s incapacity to safeguard citizens. “B sector is a hub for [crime]. James inquired, “If the police cannot protect the residents of B section, how will they protect the entirety of Eldorado Park?”
A tenant of one of the apartments in B section reported that the gunfire, which occurred at 10:30 p.m., was sudden and loud.
“The community lives in continual fear. “These men were shot while sitting in the comfort of their homes,” stated a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
“The police and ambulance staff responded slowly to the scene of the crime. It was awful to see these men suffer in pain from the gunshot wounds [while waiting for the ambulance to arrive]. Two individuals did not make it.”
In a separate incident, police in Westbury, Johannesburg, apprehended four men thought to be responsible for a December 31 shooting in the vicinity.
Thursday, the suspects were apprehended in the vicinity after they were discovered in possession of firearms and a stolen car.
Masondo stated that authorities received information that the suspects were driving a stolen vehicle around the region.
“Members of the anti-gang unit, the Sophiatown crime prevention unit, and the Sophiatown robbery reaction squad were keeping a tight eye on the corner of Fuel and Kretzmar roads when they spotted the suspects. “The vehicle was stopped, and the suspects were taken into custody,” stated Masondo.
The men are scheduled to appear in court in Johannesburg on Monday to face charges of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of drugs.
As the accused are thought to be involved in gangsterism, which is prevalent in Westbury and Eldorado Park, more charges may be filed.
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