Gauteng: Gauteng Provincial Commissioner condemns killing of seven people in Ek…

Gauteng: Gauteng Provincial Commissioner condemns killing of seven people in Ekurhuleni over the weekend

PARKTOWN – While strongly condemning the killing of seven people in Springs, Tsakane and KwaThema, the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant Genaral Elias Mawela has appointed a multidisciplinary task team to work around the clock to find the killers. Seven other people were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds while others have since been discharged. Although the motive for the shooting and killing by a group of people is still being investigated, police are looking at the possibility that some of the killings may be related to rival gangs involved in collecting trash at the Rietfontein landfill (dumpsite) and drugs turf war in KwaThema.

Two of the bodies were found with gunshot wounds at the dump site on Friday morning, 05 April 2019 in Springs. Late Friday afternoon, two other bodies of men aged 27 and 30 were found in Tsakane where two other people were also injured during an attack by a group of about eight people who were shooting at people randomly. One vehicle was also damaged in the process. It is suspected that the group armed with hand guns were travelling in two vehicles. Eight other people were also attacked while they were sitting in a shack at an informal settlement in KwaThema. Three died (aged between 26 and 41) and five others were taken to the hospital. It is suspected that the motive for the attack was drug related.

The Provincial Commissioner is confident that these killers will be brought to book very soon as police are following positive leads on the killers. “In condemning these killings, I am also appealing to the communities to isolate criminal gangs and work with the police”, added the Commissioner. Cases of murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property are being investigated. Police are also appealing to anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Any information will be treated anonymously and confidential. A reward may also be offered for any information that may lead to the successful arrest of the killers and other people involved in serious and violent crimes.

In an unrelated incident, a suspect who assaulted a police officer from Sunnyside on Friday, 05 April 2019, has been admitted to the hospital under police guard when he was shot in the leg. The incident happened when police officers who were on routine patrol confronted a man suspected of dealing in drugs. On approaching him, he ran away, and one police officer chased him on foot. The suspect turned around and attacked a police officer. The officer was hit with an object on his head. In defending himself as the attacker had been joined by other people, he fired a warning shot but it could not stop the attack. Another shot was fired and the attacker was wounded on the leg. Other officers who had come to his rescue, managed to arrest the suspect. He will be charged with attempted murder when he appears in court.

The officer, a constable, was admitted to the hospital in stable condition. #CrimeStop

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