The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised the alarm on the escalating levels of gun violence in the province.
This after a mass shooting in Tshwane over the weekend and the murder of a witness of the Madlanga Commission.
“The…Portfolio Committee on Community Safety is gravely concerned by the escalating levels of gun violence that continue to turn communities across the province into everyday crime scenes.
“The recent mass shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria, is yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need to rid our streets of illegal firearms,” the committee said in a statement.
At least 11 people died during the mass shooting with 14 others injured.
“Even more distressing is the fact that among the deceased are three minors and women, whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of brutality. The committee conveys its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
“This tragic incident highlights a deeply concerning trend in which illegal guns continue to circulate freely within communities, enabling deadly attacks that devastate families and compromise the safety of citizens.
“The committee views this event as a serious call for concern and reaffirms its commitment to intensifying efforts towards advocating for and achieving a gun-free Gauteng,” the statement said.
The committee expressed shock at the “disturbing development” where a witness in the Madlanga Commission was murdered on Friday.
“Reports indicate that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the attack, once again demonstrating how high-calibre weapons are being used to commit violent crimes with impunity.
“Witness D was gunned down outside his home, an incident that highlights the critical need to remove illegal firearms from our streets,” the statement read.
The committee called on law enforcement to ensure that “perpetrators behind these heinous crimes are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice”.
“The committee also urged community members to cooperate fully with the police to aid in the urgent arrest of the three suspects linked to the Saulsville shooting.
“The committee maintains that the proliferation of illegal firearms poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of all people living in Gauteng.
“Only through strong partnerships between communities, law enforcement and government can we begin to dismantle the networks responsible for supplying and using these deadly weapons,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
