DA demands response from SAPS over escalating Wesbank violence

6 November 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns in the strongest terms the shooting of four residents of Wesbank who were caught in gang crossfire in Milwood Street on Sunday night. Tragically two of them lost their lives. We send our heartfelt condolences to those who are grieving during this difficult time.

This is the latest tragedy in gang violence which has characterised Wesbank for many years and has escalated since September. We call upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify its efforts to address the high levels of violent crime in this area in order to bring to this community the safety and justice that it deserves. It is simply not acceptable that the people of Wesbank live in fear.

The Women’s Movement of Wesbank has been campaigning for over a year for SAPS to establish a satellite police station in their community. Many crime cases are not reported, as Wesbank does not have a police station of its own, and it is unsafe and unaffordable for victims of crime to go to neighbouring police stations.

In support of this campaign, we have submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Minister of Police, requesting concrete answers on when Wesbank will receive a satellite police station. Its residents have endured appalling violence for far too long.

Issued by Andrew Bateman, DA Constituency Head, Oostenberg South 1, 6 November 2024