Residents call for stronger Police presence in Marry Me settlement

The Gauteng government says it has made efforts to increase police visibility in the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve, despite ongoing safety concerns from residents.

Community members called for better policing after six patrollers were killed in a brutal attack in March. A 27-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

In a written response to EWN, Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s office said there are regular patrols in the area, serviced by Akasia, Soshanguve and Retgat local police stations.

However, some residents say they remain vulnerable, with no additional patrollers deployed for reinforcement.

One resident said: “When the police are there, they don’t patrol in between houses. You will only see them on the main road, and others may be at the ground, but going from street to street doesn’t happen. Even now, there are still robberies, and I ask myself what the police are doing.”

Local councillor Tshepo Molefane also weighed in:

“They no longer feel safe staying in Marry Me and are requesting that the department take action. Some of the deceased left behind children, and it’s traumatic for them,” Molefane said.