Three young men have been killed in a shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, leaving residents fearful as violence continues to grip the community.
Police said the victims, aged between 18 and 20, were shot inside a flat on Saturday night, while two other people were wounded. Community leader Humphrey Birkenstock said the latest killings had left residents feeling as though they were living in a war zone.
“We realised that we are in a war zone, Westbury is a war zone, everybody in this community either they are related to someone who was killed, shot, or they know someone or a neighbour. The rest of the community is gripped in fear; people are scared to go out in the street,” Birkenstock said.
He added that he no longer believes marches and petitions can bring an end to the killings. Residents continue to call for action as police search for those responsible.
Westbury Gang Violence Leaves Residents Fearful
Anti-gang activist and Gauteng Legislature member Bishop Dulton Adams said he would no longer lead marches or submit memorandums and petitions over the violence.
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“I refuse to march any longer; I refuse to lead the community into any other memorandums or petitions. It does not work. What needs to happen is we need to bring the security cluster… they must tell us what is their security plan that they have. Why hasn’t Operation Prosper worked the way it was intended to work?” Adams said.
Westbury Shooting Raises Concerns Over Uzi Machine Guns
Adams also expressed concern about the weapons being used in Westbury, particularly the appearance of Uzi machine guns.
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“The fact that Uzi machine guns are being used, it’s the first time that I see it, which actually tells me that this gang war and this hatred and killings has gone to another level,” he said. He called for deeper intelligence operations to establish where the weapons are coming from.
Police are continuing their search for the suspects linked to the latest Westbury shooting. The deaths of the three young men have added to concerns among residents already affected by violence in the area. Community members say they want the bloodshed to stop and are calling for stronger security measures.
