While the whole country remains shocked by the actions of gunmen who attacked patrons of three taverns across the country in what the police described as “random” shootings over the weekend, these incidents are common in Matholesville.
In this community where violent crimes are committed almost every weekend, the only people who are safe are those who are already resting eternally in their graves.
Roodepoort police are currently investigating three cases of murder and one of attempted murder after four people were shot dead in Matholesville on Saturday, July 9 at approximately 22:00, just hours before the Soweto killings.
It is alleged that a group of people were sitting around the fire outside a house when two men passing by started shooting randomly at them. The incident took place after 19:00 about 50m away from a popular tavern known as KwaMashaba.
Four people were shot – three men aged between 18 and 39 were declared dead on the scene, and one was taken to a nearby hospital.
“The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage, and no one has been arrested. The police are appealing to anyone who may have information or witnessed the incident to contact them through the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS app. Tip-offs can be given anonymously and all information received will be treated as strictly confidential,” said Provincial Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello.
According to a community member who chose not to be named, these incidents are common in Matholesville, and in most cases nobody wants to say anything to the police as they do not feel safe or trust the police.
In an incident a week before, another person was shot dead near a tavern in Matholesville. No arrests have been made in this case either.
The Record’s attempts to get comment from the Roodepoort Police Station communications officer, Captain Juanita-Anne Yorke were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.
