Residents and stakeholders hold prayer sessions for shootings in Newclare
Shooting incidents have killed two people in just over a month.
Kofifi Fm, Community Policing Forum Members and churches in the area gathered at the Newclare Flats in prayer for the intercession and protection that the escalating shooting amidst the innocent.
Three weeks shooting incidents escalated in which two are dead and three still critically injured in hospital.
The shooting is said to have taken place because of gang related fights and drug wars according to residents.
According to Jerbes De Bruin who is the Sophiatown Police Station warrant officer, no arrests have yet been made.
“It is very unfortunate that two people have died during this ongoing shooting and we are investigating the cause of the shooting.
“No arrests have been made as yet but we are trying our best to catch the perpetrators,” said De Bruin.
Residents said that many people are afraid to point out the culprits because they fear that the perpetrators will come after them.
One resident Marvin Lee said they fear mostly for their children.
“If we say something then we or our children will be targeted and this is the main reason as to why people are afraid to point out the culprits,” said Lee
Bishop Dulton Adams led the prayer session at the flats.
“We came to pray against the spirit of fear, death, drugs and greed,” said Adams
Adams suggested that a prayer tent be erected so that all churches (inter-faith) could gather to pray, as prayer is pivotal in leading us to unity.
Brigadier Crafford appealed to the community to come forward with information because without the community’s help not much can be done.
Tilly Michaels, CPF chairperson called on the community to hold hands, pray without ceasing and love one another irrespective of race, colour, language orientation or creed.
General Rajin, who is the cluster commander, came to support the gathering as the police wants to get to the bottom of the shootings.
“We are here to say we want to work with you, trust us and give us the information
“We will bring the criminals to book and we promise to bring in teams to search and clean the area,” said Rajin.
