IT is believed that Jukulyn in Soshanguve is a home to criminal syndicates and gangs that are terrorising the kasi and committing a high amount of crime on an endless basis.
A happy start to the new year on Monday, 1 January turned tragic as four people, including a 14-year-old girl, fell victim to a horrific mass shooting.
According to Gauteng Premier Panyasa Lesufi and Gauteng MEC of Community Safety Management Faith Mazibuko, a significant development in the investigation has led to the arrest of two suspects in the early hours of Tuesday, 2 January.
Lesufi addressed the media at the Soshanguve Police Station after receiving a case briefing and then visited the affected families.
Arriving at the three families, they all expressed their satisfaction with the police's prompt response to the shooting incident. This included a 72-hour activation during which all available resources were committed to the case, resulting in the arrests.
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Victoria Ziwele, gogo of slain Vuyolwethu Ziwele, requested the premier to meet the suspects, saying she wanted answers about her grandchild's senseless death.
"I want to look the person who shot my grandchild in his eyes and ask him if he shot her by mistake or intentionally,” she said while crying.
"I have to endure the sorrow of staring at my gate, the same location where my child perished every day when I get up. I don't know who I'll sleep with now since I used to sleep with her," she said.
Phomolo Malakapatlo's family urged authorities to intervene in the alleged territorial war between gangsters in Soshanguve, especially in Jukulyn.
They voiced concerns about their safety, fearing further attacks during the funeral.
Phomolo's uncle Zingisile Jonga (53) told the Daily Sun Phomolo's gogo was admitted on Tuesday, 2 January at the hospital because she was finding it difficult to deal with the loss.
He clarified that the family is experiencing exactly the same suffering that they had when Phomolo's mother died in the same manner (execution style) in the same neighbourhood.
"We've heard rumours that there is a territorial war between gangsters in Soshanguve, especially Jukulyn," he said.
Phillimon Tshipo (53), father of deceased Constable Mpho Kgobotla, expressed gratitude to the SAPS and other stakeholders for apprehending the suspects. He emphasised the relief that comes with the suspects being in custody.
He said that he had spoken with his son last Friday, 29 December, over the phone, and he then returned home on the 31st to celebrate the new year with his family.
"It felt like my heart was ripped out of my body. I'm still in pain. I arrived at the scene and saw my son lying on the ground,” said Phillimon.
On Thursday, 4 January, both the suspects who are 30 and 33 years old are scheduled to appear before the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on four counts of murder.
