Nkululeko Dunga, the Mayor and MMC of Finance in Ekurhuleni, expressed deep concern over the recent surge in gun violence, emphasizing that it reflects a broader issue of the government losing control over law enforcement and safety. Dunga noted that such situations empower criminals to act with impunity, showcasing a lack of fear of being held accountable for their actions.
This statement comes in the wake of a deadly shooting incident in Braamfontein, where unknown gunmen opened fire on a parked BMW, claiming the lives of a university student and two men. The incident has prompted political parties to call for stringent measures to combat crime. The 18-year-old student, traveling on a bus from the University of Johannesburg to residences in Johannesburg City Centre, became a victim of crossfire.
While the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, police suspect a potential link to taxi violence. No arrests have been made, raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement. Calvin Rafadi, a criminal and policing expert, expressed worry about the pervasive nature of crime scenes in the country and called for a revival of informant structures. Rafadi highlighted the need for proactive crime intelligence, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and informant reward structures.
Margaret Arnolds, the Speaker of Council in the City of Johannesburg, denounced the shooting as a reflection of the moral and ethical erosion in society. Drawing parallels with a previous incident, Arnolds called for swift police action to combat such acts of violence. The investigation into the Braamfontein shooting is ongoing, with murder and attempted murder cases opened, but no arrests have been made.