Africa-Press – South-Africa. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is calling on Saulsville residents in Pretoria West to support police as they investigate a recent mass shooting that claimed 12 lives in the community.
The victims, who included minors aged 3, 12, and 16, were killed when three gunmen opened fire at patrons at a tavern located within a hostel.
Speaking on the sidelines of her post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Ntshavheni expressed frustration that a lack of community cooperation often hinders investigations.
The Minister said that most of the time, community members are aware of the suspects’ identities but choose not to cooperate with law enforcement.
While the three gunmen who opened fire on patrons at the Saulsville hostel tavern remain at large, police have confirmed that their identities are known.
Community members speculate that the shooters may have been targeting the tavern owner, claiming that another shooting occurred at the same establishment about three months ago.
However, Minister Ntshavheni has urged residents not to be afraid to assist the police in solving the case.
“Our major issue is that communities know who the criminals are. That’s why we say it’s a shared responsibility. If you come out and say these are the criminals involved, we will get to it. You will recall the shooting of two girls in Mamelodi – because the community responded, the arrests were made quickly.”
She added that the government has now launched an engagement with communities, hoping to convince them not to be afraid to come forward with crucial information about crime.
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