More than five people have reportedly been shot in Westbury on Thursday night.
Image: Screenshot
More than five people, including a 15-month-old baby, have reportedly been shot in Westbury, Johannesburg, on Thursday night in what residents describe as another devastating incident of gun violence in the area.
It is reported that the victims were at the corner of Lark Spur Court and Jacaranda Court when they were attacked by an unknown number of suspects.
All five victims sustained gunshot wounds, and one of them, an adult female, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili said: “The motive of the shooting is still unknown as the investigation into murder and attempted murder continues.”
A message circulating in the community on Friday morning described the situation as “heartbreaking”, claiming that eight children were shot during the incident.
“My heart is broken and shattered by the painful things happening in our community. Hearing that eight kids were shot, including a baby, is something no community should ever experience,” the message read.
The video circulating with the message shows the ambulance at the hospital and harrowing screams by mothers, sisters, and other members of the community in the early hours of the morning.
The father of a 19-year-old teenager has confirmed the death of his son in the hospital as a result of the shooting.
Westbury has for years been plagued by gang-related shootings and violent crime, with residents frequently caught in the crossfire.
Previous incidents have seen teenagers and children shot in suspected gang attacks, sparking repeated calls from the community for stronger policing and intervention.
In October last year, seven teenagers aged between 13 and 19 were shot in the area during what police believed was a gang-related attack, leaving two dead and several others injured.
National Chairperson and PR Councillor in the City of Johannesburg, Matthew Cook, from the GOOD Party, called for the urgent intervention of the city's mayor, Dada Morero, in what he described as the escalating gang violence in Westbury, following multiple shootings reported, including that of a child.
“Westbury residents have been living with persistent gang activity, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms for years. Each new shooting confirms what residents know, which is that government responses have been insufficient,” he said in a statement.
The statement continued to point to gang violence as a result of the neglect of public spaces.
“The city must strengthen urban management through improved street lighting, CCTV coverage, maintenance of public spaces, and visible law-enforcement patrols.”
Cook urged the mayor to not let another child die due to gun violence before the government takes action.
This is a developing story.
lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za