Community leaders are calling Leonsdale, Elsies River, a “war zone” after 13 people were shot in one street - three fatally - in one ruthless attack.
On 1 May just before 9pm, residents screamed in terror as a rain of bullets descended on Tiara Road.
Three men, aged 17, 37 and 50, were killed in the shooting.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
But Deputy Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Imraahn Mukaddam, says mense are too bang to piemp as witnesses often get targeted.
“So many families in one incident; this is no longer crime, this is war. They are not gangsters anymore but rather armed militants who are armed to the teeth,” he says.
“The casings found on the scene are all brand new.
“Our community is under attack and the state is failing to protect us.
"The community is
gatvol! They want to speak but they don’t trust the police, because whenever people speak, witnesses are eliminated.
“People presume or fear something bad will happen to them if they should speak out.
“A channel needs to be put in place whereby community members can give information without being exposed. Our community is gripped in a reign of terror and fear.”
Leonsdale is known to be turf of two rival gangs the Terribles and the Bad Boys, but it is not clear who or what is behind this attack.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says detectives are investigating.
“Provincial detectives are combing a crime scene in Tiara Road in Leonsdale, Elsies River for clues,” she said.
“Thirteen people were shot there at 8.45pm on 1 May. Three men, aged 50, 37 and 17, were fatally wounded. Ten other victims between 15 and 53 years old, who were injured during the incident, were transported to hospital for treatment.”
Rwexana asked anyone with information to step forward.
Urged
“Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Sergeant Kleinbooi on 082 302 9938 to assist with information which will ensure that the suspects in this case are arrested and brought to book.
"All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” she added.