Widespread crime pushes Soshanguve residents over the edge

PRETORIA - Some community members in Soshanguve says it is only a matter of time until they take it upon themselves to deal with crime.

The community is mourning a five-year-old boy who was shot and killed during the hijacking of his father.

The attack happened at the family home on Friday, when the little boy was welcoming his father from work at the gate.

Soshanguve residents told Eyewitness News that they had lost hope in police.

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The murder of Ditebogo Phalane has instilled in the community the desire to take matters into their own hands.

They believe law enforcement authorities are allowing lawlessness to thrive.

Christopher Kalane, a Soshanguve resident, said gun violence had become prevalent in recent months.

“We’re always scared. We hear gunshots all the time. Our community has turned into something we don’t recognise.”

Another resident, France Motshegoa, said the community desperately needed a solution to root out crime.

“We tried getting patrollers but that’s not enough. I think if the police can be visible, it will help.”

Just three weeks ago, popular DJ and comedian Peter Mashata Mabuse was also gunned down in the township.