Sophiatown Police Station under the spotlight as community protest against high murder rate in Westbury

Another week and more murders in the Sophiatown precinct.

The community came out in numbers to shut down the Sophiatown Police Station after Westbury community members protested about the perceived lack of policing from the Sophiatown station.

This follows two deaths on November 9 when two men were gunned down. Sophiatown spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn said, “One man was shot after witnesses saw three men approach him and start shooting. It is believed this is linked to a case of the day before where a woman was shot in the leg. Witnesses say the second man was killed after being shot in the back when running for cover from shots being fired in the street.”

The police are investigating possible links to the cases.

ALSO READ: Two suspects arrested for armed robbery with an unlicensed firearm in Westbury

Sophiatown CPF chair Gus Malgas said, “The community demands higher levels of police visibility and action in Westbury. A list of grievances was handed to General Max Masha. They call for more police presence in the area and an end to police corruption. They plead for ambulance services to attend scenes more readily and for help in combating gang-related fighting which often results in death.”

A more senior member of the police will address the community at the Sophiatown Police Station shortly.

This is a developing story.

ALSO READ: Two murders in one day shock community of Westbury