Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor in Riverlea, Theo Doyle, has expressed his disappointment with government officials who were a no-show for the community’s peaceful strike.
This comes after the Riverlea’s Safety Cluster CPF, stakeholders and community members had a peaceful strike on Monday. The gesture was after one person died and three others injured in a shootout at the weekend.
Doyle said: “Faith Mazibuko, Bheki Cele, national and provincial police structures and all those responsible for community safety ignored this desperate cry for help. The community and the surrounding areas struggling with gun violence want safety to be prioritised.
No solution to gun violence in area and Westbury
“It was sad to see the community strike in tears and air their frustrations to deaf ears. This was heartbreaking. Yet another day pass with no solutions for the safety of our people and children. There is no urgency to protect and attend to the cries of the community.”
Doyle said this despite confirming that Mazibuko and Cele had not been invited to the march. “People do not get invited. They show up in their portfolio,” he said.
The neighbouring Westbury has been making a similar call, claiming that more than 40 people have been killed in the crossfire.
Police spokesperson lieutenant colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the matter. He said police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder. They were searching for the suspects, he said.
No arrests made, investigation continues
Masondo said the motive for the shooting cannot be confirmed at this stage, and no arrests have been made.
He explained: “The police received a complaint of shooting at Kamanasi Street, Riverlea. On arrival at the scene, they found the paramedics attending to the victims, two males and two females. One of the victims was certified dead at the scene. Three of them were taken to the nearest medical care center for medical treatment.”
Masondo said preliminary investigation suggests the victims were standing at the corner of Kamanasi and Riet Streets in Riverlea. About four suspects approached them and shot at them. The township is situated just outside Soweto.
