THE community of Braamfischerville in Soweto have been living in fear as violent intruders attacked small business owners.
Residents are continuously ambushed by armed men who demand money and valuables. The criminals are so brazen that it is estimated that 12 attacks have happened since June 2023, and more than 10 people have lost their lives.
Over the weekend, four people were shot on different occasions, and two died from the injuries they sustained.
Ntombi Mhlongo (27), the daughter of a businesswoman Dikeledi Molefe (57) who was shot dead, said her mum was in the house with three men when a group of people arrived and knocked as if they were customers.
“My mother stood and went to the door, thinking she was attending to customers who wanted to buy. I'm told that the three men sitting with her heard her screaming for help when she was at the door,” said Ntombi.
She explained that one of the three men approached the door to see what was happening and when he got to the door, he helped the deceased to close the door as the criminals were fighting to gain entry and the deceased didn’t make it any easy for them.
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“This was when a gunshot was heard from outside, and the man ran to hide in the house. My mum was then shot,” said Ntombi.
When the criminals gained entry to the house, they went in and shot at another victim who came to buy alcohol.
“The criminals searched the house to see who else was inside, and they found the man who was helping my mum while she was battling to close the door. They then robbed him of his belongings,” she said.
The criminals then proceeded to the house, took the TV and left.
It's said that the criminals had robbed people in the nearby tavern before robbing other businesses and nearby houses.
Ward 49 Councillor Mthuthuzeli Goodman Bolani said that visiting the bereaved families during these difficult times is difficult because they're known in the community.
“As a community, we must work together to fight these crimes. However, we need assistance because these are organised criminals,” said the councillor.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told Daily Sun that a business robbery and double murder case had been opened for further investigation, adding that no arrests have been made yet.
