Gauteng remains scarred by violence, but police making progress - GP community safety committee

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng’s community safety committee says police are making progress in fighting crime, but the province remains deeply scarred by violence.

The province has recorded a nearly 8% drop in serious crimes, including a 10% dip in murder, but the Gauteng Community Safety Committee says the violence is far from over.

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In just three months, two massacres shook residents to their core.

Seven people were slaughtered in Soshanguve and another seven were shot dead in Kagiso — one victim a woman, the rest men.

As the committee praised law enforcement for swift arrests, it also expressed outrage over the killing of 11 police officers, ten while off duty.

While robbery and sexual violence have declined, kidnappings — often linked to hijackings and extortion — have shot up by nearly 16%.

“The safety and freedom of Gauteng residents must be protected with urgency. The committees applaud the success of crime fighting initiatives,” said chairperson Bandile Masuku.

“Gauteng must continue to intensify efforts to eradicate criminal activities and create safe and resilient communities.”