A man has handed himself over to police following a deadly drive-by shooting in Katlehong that left two people dead and three others injured, as Ekurhuleni was rocked by a second shooting on Tuesday night.
Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed the developments, saying the first incident happened on Tuesday evening in Katlehong, while a second shooting took place in Vosloorus next to Ndlelanhle Primary School.
“There has been a second shooting incident, this time in Vosloorus next to Ndlelanhle Primary School. Police are on the scene,” Mhlanga said.
He confirmed that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni rushed to the Katlehong scene where emergency medical personnel were still attending to victims.
According to Mhlanga, two people were confirmed dead while three others sustained injuries in the Katlehong drive-by.
Police sources confirmed late Tuesday that a person had handed himself over following the Katlehong shooting. It was not immediately clear if he was linked to both incidents.
The back-to-back shootings have once again put the spotlight on Ekurhuleni’s spiralling violent crime, with political parties trading blows over who is to blame.
The ANC in Gauteng said it was deeply saddened by the loss of life.
“The ANC extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery during this difficult time,” the party said in a statement.
“We note that a person has reportedly handed himself over to the police following the incident. We urge the relevant law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those found responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.”
The party called on communities to work with law enforcement and to reject all forms of violence.
But the DA said speeches are no longer enough and demanded that the Acting Minister of Police and SAPS top brass be hauled before Parliament.
“Following the killing of two people and the injury of three others in an alleged drive-by shooting in Katlehong, the Democratic Alliance is calling for the Acting Minister of Police and SAPS top leadership to urgently appear before Parliament and account for their failure to clamp down on the wave of violent crime gripping Ekurhuleni,” said DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane.
Rasilingwane said he will write to Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron to call for urgent intervention.
“This latest shooting adds to a growing trail of blood across our city, including the horrifying discovery of the bodies of women in Ekurhuleni over recent months,” he said.
He demanded investigations that lead to convictions, immediate intelligence-led intervention, and that President Cyril Ramaphosa be held to his deadlines on crime.
“Deploy experienced detectives, Crime Intelligence and forensic specialists. Prioritise ballistic links between shootings and prosecution-guided investigations. Arrests alone are not success,” Rasilingwane said.
“SAPS must implement a targeted 30-day operation in Ekurhuleni’s worst crime hotspots, with dedicated personnel, vehicles and specialised units. No more roadblocks and arrest statistics presented as progress.”
On the ground in Katlehong and Vosloorus, residents described chaotic scenes as gunshots rang out near homes and a primary school.
Police have not yet confirmed a motive for either shooting, nor whether the two incidents are linked. The Vosloorus scene was still active late Tuesday, with Lesufi expected to address the media.
Investigations are continuing.
