Police operations have intensified in Reiger Park, Boksburg, following a deadly weekend shooting that left six people dead and three others, including a toddler, injured. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi have vowed justice for the victims as additional tactical units, detectives, and intelligence officers are deployed to the area.

Masemola, who visited the crime-stricken community on Sunday, announced that an external investigating team would be assigned to the Reiger Park Police Station amid ongoing concerns about police corruption and alleged gang involvement. “We are strengthening our presence and intensifying the investigation. The people of Reiger Park deserve safety and justice,” Masemola said.

The attack took place on Saturday night when armed men opened fire from two vehicles in what residents described as a drive-by shooting. Six people were killed, while three others sustained injuries. Police have not made any arrests but said the manhunt for the suspects is ongoing.

Masemola told residents that officers currently deployed in the area would remain on the ground to stabilise the situation. “We must make it clear that such incidents cannot continue. We will bring in a dedicated investigation team to probe what has been happening in Reiger Park,” he said.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who accompanied Masemola, met with community leaders and local police commanders on Sunday. He said the province is determined to ensure that those responsible are caught. “Justice must be served. We cannot allow this to happen again. The community must see that the state will not tolerate this kind of violence,” Lesufi said.

Acting Ekurhuleni Mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi on Monday described crime in the area as uncontrollable and said additional police resources would be allocated to Reiger Park.

“We should say that prevention is better than cure. Something must be done in the area and across the city of Ekurhuleni to make sure the communities are safe and there’s little space for this to transpire,” he said.

Dlabathi is also visiting the families of the deceased and urged residents to share any information that could help the investigation. “We are appealing to the community to assist the police so that those responsible can be brought to justice,” he said.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and praised the police for their swift response. 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 party supported the increased police deployment. “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’s Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Xolani Khumalo also condemned the incident, calling for stronger collaboration between communities and police to stop the spread of illegal guns. “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.

He said the party’s safety plan for Ekurhuleni included using advanced technology and retraining community policing forums. “We must build a city where law-abiding citizens live in safety and criminals live in fear of the law,” Khumalo said.

The GOOD Party also condemned the shooting and called for a national response to end gun violence. National chairperson Matthew Cook said, “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 urged police to ensure transparency and accountability during the investigation. “There must be full accountability. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” he said.

He added that lasting change would require addressing deeper social issues such as 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.

As the investigation continues, community members remain fearful but hopeful that the increased police presence will restore calm and prevent further violence.