Political parties condemn Reiger Park mass shooting, call for action against gun violence

The nation has been left in shock following a brutal drive-by shooting in Reiger Park, Boksburg, which claimed six lives and left three others injured. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects, while political parties and community leaders have expressed outrage and called for urgent measures to address the growing crisis of gun violence.

According to the Gauteng SAPS, two vehicles, a silver Polo and a black Polo, drove into the area and opened fire on Saturday late afternoon. Residents scrambled for safety as bullets tore through the street. The victims, three men and three women, died at the scene, while the injured were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said additional resources have been mobilised to track down the perpetrators. “We have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in this horrific shooting. Our investigators are on the ground collecting evidence and following leads to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Kekana said.

He urged the community to work with police. “We call on residents to assist by providing any information that could help in solving this case. Anyone with information can contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to report anonymously,” he said.

The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, is expected to visit the Reiger Park Police Station on Sunday afternoon to receive a briefing from provincial management and announce further measures to prevent more violence in the area.

Political parties have strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a reflection of the country’s deepening crime problem.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and called for unity between the police and communities. Party spokesperson Zama Ntshona said, “The African Transformation Movement mourns the tragic loss of lives in the Reiger Park shooting. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the six individuals who lost their lives, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

Ntshona added that the ATM supported the swift action by the police. “We commend the Acting Provincial Commissioner for deploying resources to pursue the suspects. Such acts of lawlessness undermine the safety and dignity of our people and cannot be tolerated,” she said.

ActionSA also reacted strongly, urging SAPS to take decisive action against the flow of unlicensed firearms. The party’s Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate, Xolani Khumalo, said the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger collaboration between police and communities.

“Last night’s Reiger Park mass shooting is not an isolated incident. Communities are rightly asking why SAPS cannot answer who is supplying the weapons that continue to terrorise our people,” Khumalo said. “As gang violence escalates, SAPS must intensify collaboration with community crime-fighting forums. The fight against criminality is most effective when police and communities work hand in hand.”

Khumalo said ActionSA’s safety plan for Ekurhuleni included establishing specialised EMPD units, using gunshot detection technology, and reskilling community policing forums. “We must build a city where law-abiding citizens live in safety and criminals live in fear of the law,” he said.

The GOOD Party also condemned the shooting, calling for a national effort to end gun violence. Its national chairperson, Matthew Cook, said the incident was a painful reminder of how violent crime has become part of daily life in many communities.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Reiger Park community. This brutal act is another painful reminder of the urgent need to confront violent crime in South Africa,” Cook said.

He urged SAPS to ensure full transparency in its investigation and to bring those responsible to justice. “There must be full accountability. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” he said.

Cook said the GOOD Party remained committed to addressing the root causes of violence, including unemployment, youth marginalisation, and gang activity. “No family should have to mourn loved ones lost in a hail of bullets. The people of Reiger Park deserve better,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents have described the shooting as one of the worst in recent memory. Some said fear has gripped the community, while others called for more police visibility.