Gauteng police dismiss gang violence rumours

The Gauteng police has expressed concern over recent social media posts claiming an increase in gang-related murders.

Jun 24, 2024 - 01:00
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Gauteng police dismiss gang violence rumours

The Gauteng police has expressed concern over recent social media posts claiming an increase in gang-related murders. These posts allege that 13 people were killed in gang-affected areas this week.

However, the police report only three murder cases in Westbury, Sophiatown, with no gang-related murders in Eldorado Park, Riverlea, Noordgesig, or other areas.

Key arrest in gang violence

One significant arrest was made on Thursday, involving Morgan John, known as Big John, a notorious gang-affiliated suspect. Charged with murder, Big John appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 21 June. He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on 29 June. The arrest underscores the police’s efforts to curb gang violence in the region.

Enhanced police interventions

The police have implemented comprehensive interventions in various gang violence-affected areas, including:

  • Sophiatown
  • Langlaagte
  • Eldorado Park
  • Orlando
  • Reigerpark
  • Booysens
  • Motlakeng
  • Moffat View

Furthermore, these areas benefit from additional deployments to support local stations and the Anti-Gang Unit. The 24-hour deployments consist of members from the Public Order Police, Tactical Response Unit, Flying Squad, K9, and Johannesburg Metro Police, bolstered by private security officers.

Moreover, these efforts have yielded substantial results. From March to June 2024, the Anti-Gang Unit arrested 106 suspects for crimes such as attempted murder, armed robbery, drug-related offenses, and possession of stolen vehicles and firearms. The police also seized 14 firearms, 138 rounds of ammunition, drugs, dangerous weapons, and two hijacked vehicles.

Ongoing efforts and community appeal

Detectives specialising in gang-related offenses have made significant progress, arresting 35 suspects for murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The Gauteng police believes these measures are effectively reducing gang violence.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) urges social media users to avoid spreading false information that can incite unnecessary fear in communities.

“For any information on crime and criminality, the public is urged to contact Crime Stop toll free number 08600 10111,” said SAPS in a statement.