Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced that a fifth person has tragically died following an attack at the Marry Me Informal Settlement in Soshanguve that took place on Saturday morning. The incident initially claimed the lives of four community patrollers, with uncertainty remaining about whether the fifth deceased individual was also a patroller.
“I cry with you, I am with you. I will work with the police to find out what happened and who did what they did,” Lesufi expressed his solidarity with the community members during his visit to the settlement.
The violence has left seven additional people fighting for their lives in hospital, adding to the already devastating impact of the attack.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili detailed that authorities responded to the scene around 6 am on Saturday, where they discovered four partially burned bodies with gunshot wounds at Marry Me Informal Settlement Extension 3. Preliminary investigations suggest that a group of community-based patrollers were converging to continue their patrols when they encountered five individuals on the street. A quarrel ensued, resulting in four fatalities and eight injuries.
Lesufi confirmed that the motive behind the attack is still under investigation, with authorities actively seeking eyewitnesses to provide crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. He also committed to visiting the hospitalised victims and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by residents of the Marry Me settlement, Lesufi promised to return on Wednesday with all the MECs and departments under his leadership to address broader issues. He also met with provincial police leadership to discuss the progress of the investigation and revealed that the provincial commissioner has given police 72 hours to apprehend those responsible for the violence.
Lesufi emphasized the importance of finding specific suspects who may provide vital information about the incident. He mentioned that the police in the Marry Me jurisdiction had shared a comprehensive list of challenges they face when policing the area.
The community remains in shock and mourning as they await justice for the victims of the tragic Soshanguve shooting incident. The authorities are working diligently to bring those responsible to account and ensure the safety and security of all residents in the area.
