Angelo residents said they don’t know who to turn to for help, saying the government is not doing enough to ensure their safety.
Residents are forced to contend with hardened gangs of armed criminals, who kill and rob at whim.
In a recent slaying, gunmen killed three people in separate incidents in two days, May 26 and 28.
- The first victim, Solomon Macheta, was shot twice in the head on May 26. He was rushed to Tambo Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
- On the same, robbers shot a man in the mouth, neck and stomach during a robbery. The deceased was entering his girlfriend’s shack when the gunmen followed him and fired multiple shots at him. They then took his wallet and a cellphone before fleeing the bloody murder scene.
- The third man, Mahlomola Mokhanese, was killed on May 27.Police found his body lying on the ground in the street, and it appears that he was stoned to death. No arrests have been made so far.
One of the community leaders, Solly Nonyane, said it is sad those responsible for these crimes are still roaming the streets.
“A group of gunmen have been terrorising the community for years now. And what has been done about it?
“These groups of criminals rob, rape and kill residents on a regular basis, causing residents to live in fear for their lives and belongings. I think it’s time that the police takes a tough stance,” said Nonyane.
“We have on numerous occasions met with the local police management and told them that teamwork is required between the police and the community.
“To ensure that no stone is left unturned, the police management has to rope in other police units that are trained to deal with such lawlessness.”
Another community member who asked to remain anonymous claimed that he has been trying to get both the SAPS and the municipality to clamp down on the violence.
“The problem in Angelo will never end because the local police are not doing its job. We don’t see the SAPS roaming the streets at night,” said the community leader.
Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Sgt Cebisa Maseko admitted that there is a serious problem in Angelo, adding that they are working hard to bring peace and order.
“We are very concerned about what is happening. We have recently set up a task team that deals with similar problems in the cluster.”
Maseko urged community members to come forward with any information that will lead to arrests.
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