Families of Reiger Park shooting victims fear further victimisation

The families of the six people killed in Reiger Park over the weekend say they are living in fear of further victimisation.

On Monday, they were visited by Acting Ekurhuleni Mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi and other city officials, who came to offer their condolences.

Police reported that on Saturday, two vehicles opened fire on a group of people, killing six and leaving three others injured. Among those shot was a minor, whose mother refused to speak to the media. The other grieving families also declined to comment.

READ: Ekurhuleni's Dlabathi calls Reiger Park crime 'uncontrollable' after 6 people shot dead

Some residents suggested that the families were refusing to go public out of fear of retaliation.

"Like today, I can say it’s Madu but I can’t say it’s Madu because I am scared that she will buy people to kill me."

Acting Mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi told the families that while they could not bring back their loved ones, the city was committed to ridding the area of crime. He stressed that the only way to get help was if people spoke up.

"Some of these criminals, we live with them in our communities, we know exactly what it is that they are doing, but probably we don’t have the audacity or the zeal to stand up against them."

Dlabathi added that the case was a priority for police investigators.

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