Communities urged to unite with police as illegal firearms fuel rising crime
Gauteng is facing an alarming surge in gun-related violence, with the province increasingly resembling an everyday crime scene. The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised the alarm following a string of deadly shootings—most recently the mass shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria, where 11 people were killed and 14 injured.
Saulsville Tragedy Claims 11 Lives, Including Minors
In the early hours of Saturday morning, chaos erupted at an illegal tavern in Saulsville when unknown gunmen opened fire. Among those killed were three minors and several women, intensifying public outrage over the continued circulation of illegal firearms in the province.
The Committee expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured victims a swift recovery. It emphasised that the incident reflects a deeply worrying trend: illegal guns are freely moving through communities, enabling acts of brutality that tear families apart and put innocent lives at risk.
Gun-Free Gauteng: A Call to Action
The Committee reiterated its commitment to pushing for a Gun-Free Gauteng, stressing that the latest shooting is yet another wake-up call for authorities and residents alike. The proliferation of illegal firearms, the Committee warns, threatens the safety and stability of every community in the province.
Witness in Inquiry Assassinated with AK-47
Intensifying concerns even further, the Committee expressed shock at the assassination of Witness D, a participant in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He was gunned down outside his home in an attack reportedly carried out with an AK-47 automatic rifle—a high-calibre weapon frequently used in organised crime.
This assassination underscores the urgent need to root out illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks that operate with alarming boldness.
Police Urged to Fast-Track Arrests
The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called on Gauteng law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the suspects behind both the Saulsville mass shooting and the assassination of Witness D.
The Committee is also urging community members to cooperate fully with police investigations, including assisting in the urgent arrest of the three suspects linked to the Saulsville attack.
Community Partnership Seen as Key to Ending Gun Violence
According to the Committee, the fight against illegal firearms cannot be won by police alone. Strong, united partnerships between communities, law enforcement, and government are essential to dismantling gun-running networks and safeguarding the people of Gauteng.
