When eight attackers heavily armed with AK-47s and pistols storm into a tavern and start shooting, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others, it should serve as a serious warning that organised armed crime is out of control in parts of Gauteng.
The number of fatalities has since risen to 18.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the police’s swift response as well as the first arrest made in Tzaneen. The public, however, have the right to demand more than a mere arrest after an incident like this. The main question is why the police’s crime intelligence did not identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind such violent attacks earlier.
It is particularly concerning that Gauteng’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, has indicated that the recent attack at Dora’s Tavern in Wedela, Carletonville, may be linked to a previous shooting at the same tavern and that retaliation between rival groups is being investigated.
A mere month or two ago, a fatal shooting had occurred at the same tavern; and Wedela residents are frequently faced with shootouts between illegal miners.
The Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Tommy Mthombeni, has since also visited the scene and indicated that a multi-disciplinary team will be assembled to investigate the massacre. The Freedom Front Plus welcomes this step, but wants to emphasise that it is not enough.
Therefore, the Freedom Front Plus demands:
• that crime intelligence in Carletonville and the West Rand be intensified;
• that the origin and distribution networks of the AK-47s and other illegal firearms be investigated;
• that any organised crime, gang or illegal mining networks linked to the violence be exposed and dismantled;
• that police capacity in the West Rand be urgently expanded; and
• that the Gauteng government and police give account of the concrete measures, responsibilities and timeframes that are in place to prevent such attacks.
Carletonville and West Rand residents deserve authorities that are proactive, expose organised crime and protect citizens.
The Freedom Front Plus expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who were killed and wishes the wounded a speedy recovery.
The Freedom Front Plus will hold the Gauteng government and police accountable.
