Three people have been killed and five others injured, including a 12-year-old child, in separate shootings in Katlehong, Vosloorus and Kempton Park, prompting the Gauteng Provincial Government to call for urgent action against violent crime.
Two young men were killed and five people wounded in a shooting in Sophangisa Street, Katlehong, on Monday evening, 13 October.
According to the provincial government, the victims were allegedly returning from a memorial service at Mogobeng Primary School when a gunman opened fire, leaving the community in shock.
In a separate incident, one person was killed in a shooting in Manaka Street, Extension 2, in Vosloorus, earlier on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, a 51-year-old man was shot dead inside his car in Birchacress, Kempton Park, as he arrived home. Police suspect the killing may be linked to the taxi industry.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the shootings and called for thorough investigations into the incidents.
“We welcome the fact that the suspect is in police custody after handing himself over to the authorities,” Lesufi said.
He added that the Katlehong case had been assigned to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team for further investigation, with charges of murder and attempted murder.
Lesufi called for an expeditious investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shootings and ensure that all relevant evidence is presented in court.
The provincial government extended its condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured victims a full recovery.
It expressed concern about the continued prevalence of gun violence in Gauteng, saying the loss of young lives highlighted the need for stronger collective efforts to protect communities.
The government urged residents to share credible information with law enforcement agencies to assist the ongoing investigations and called on communities to reject violence and resolve disputes peacefully.
“The people of Gauteng cannot continue to lose their loved ones to senseless acts of violence,” the provincial government said.