One behind bars for funeral gunshots

Sophiatown police, Metro police and City Parks kept their word to work together to apprehend those firing their guns at Westpark Cemetery.

On March 12, under the leadership of Sophiatown police, two funerals were monitored where there would be a possibility of people firing off their weapons. This resulted in the arrest of a person aligned to a political party at one of the funerals.

This was confirmed by Sophiatown Police Station Commander Brigadier Alfred Ndebele who said the suspect was arrested and charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The other funeral was of a gang member from Sophiatown that police kept a close eye on.

Police took this opportunity to warn funeral-goers that they would continue to work with Metro police and City Parks to reduce incidents of gunshots being fired at the cemetery.

The arrest follows a meeting between law enforcement officials, ward councillors and residents about the concerns related to the illegal firing of weapons at Westpark Cemetery which has been ongoing for years. All the stakeholders promised to work together and share information on potential funerals that could result in this activity.

Residents were urged to report transgressions including the reporting of gunshots, public drinking, and traffic and by-law infringements to their local police or Metro police.

Metro police 011 375 5911, Sophiatown police 011 670 6300.

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