Pretoria: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned an attack on community-based patrollers at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, over the weekend. The violent incident resulted in the deaths of five individuals and the hospitalisation of eight others.
According to South African Government News Agency, police responded to a crime scene at Marry Me Ext 3 around 06:00 on Saturday. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of four individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds and were partially burned. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims, who were community-based patrollers, were confronted by five individuals on the street at approximately 03:00. A quarrel ensued, escalating into violence and resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries.
Minister Mchunu expressed strong condemnation of the incident, stating, “We condemn in the strongest terms the cold-blooded murders and criminality that took place at Marry Me. These unarmed members of the community were committed against crime and improving the safety of their community.” He further commended the patrollers for taking a stand against crime, emphasizing the importance of their efforts.
Mchunu also praised the swift action of the police in launching a manhunt for those responsible and urged thoroughness in their investigations. He stressed the importance of community cooperation, calling on the residents of Marry Me and surrounding areas to work closely with law enforcement. “The police are relying on your cooperation to ensure justice is served and those responsible are brought to account,” Mchunu said.