By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with sabcnews.com
Published on 2024-01-17 13:00:20
Parents and learners in Jukulyn, Soshanguve are demanding more police intervention following a shooting on New Year’s Day that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a grade 9 learner. The victims, 14-year-old Vuyolwethu Ziwela, her uncle Mpho Kgobotlo (a police officer), and Kgobotlo’s two friends, Phomolang Molakapatlo and Thando Dlamini, were shot and killed by armed men traveling in two cars in Block P in Soshanguve.
As the 2024 academic year begins, concerns about safety measures at schools are mounting. Many parents are worried about the safety of their children, as the area has become a crime hotspot. Parents report that their children are being robbed of their cell phones and money on a daily basis while traveling to and from school.
The New Year’s Day tragedy has heightened fear in the community, with learners expressing that criminals have taken control of the township and continue to rob them in broad daylight. Many learners feel unsafe and are calling for patrollers to ensure their safety while traveling to and from school.
Thabo Mooketsi, part of the local community safety group, emphasized the need for government intervention to address the serious issue of crime in the area. Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane highlighted the programs in place to safeguard schools in crime hotspots and assured that efforts to intensify these measures are ongoing.
The police have confirmed that they are investigating over 300 cases, including murder, armed robbery, car hijacking, and rape in Jukulyn. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the New Year’s Day attack and are due to appear in court on 30 January.
The community is in urgent need of increased police presence and security measures to ensure the safety of its residents, particularly the learners who are most vulnerable to the prevalent crime in the area. The need for government intervention to address the crime problem in Jukulyn is undeniable, and the community is appealing for urgent action to protect its members from further harm.
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