Gauteng residents were left reeling on Monday morning following two separate shooting incidents that claimed the lives of six people and left several others injured — one in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, and another in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria. The deadly incidents have once again drawn attention to the province’s growing crisis of gun violence.

In the early hours of Monday, prominent Alexandra businessman and president of the local Alexandra Parliament, Vincent “Vinny” Ndima, was shot dead in what police believe was a targeted attack. A passenger who was travelling with him sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

According to the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS), a murder and attempted murder case has been opened. Police Spokesperson Captain Tinswalo Subeko confirmed to Kaya News that a manhunt has been launched for the suspects who fled the scene.

“Police in Alexandra are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following the fatal shooting of a 48-year-old man,” said Sibeko. “

It is reported that the victim was ambushed by unknown assailants. The suspects are still at large, and the motive for the killing is under investigation. Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.

The news of Ndima’s death has sent shockwaves through the Alexandra community, where he was known as a respected entrepreneur and vocal community leader. Residents described him as a man dedicated to empowering local youth and mediating township disputes.

Family spokesperson Katlego Movhe said at this point, the family is not sure what happened. “We are seeing answers as to what led to the death of our loved one. We are in shock, waking up to the news, as family, we were shocked. My uncle was a fun person and a community leader. He was a family man and community leader. It’s a great loss losing him,” he said.

Just hours before Ndima’s killing, Gauteng police were also called to another horrific scene in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, where five people were killed and six others wounded during a mass shooting at a local tavern in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to witnesses, the attack occurred around 01:30 when two men, known in the community, entered the tavern and demanded that one of the patrons hand over his licensed firearm. During the confrontation, a shot went off, sending panic through the tavern as patrons fled. The suspects then opened fire randomly at the fleeing crowd, killing five and injuring six.

“The suspects allegedly fired randomly at patrons after a confrontation over a firearm. The victim whose weapon was taken was also shot and injured. He will face charges under the Firearms Control Act for the negligent handling of his firearm,” said police.

The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has registered five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. Meanwhile, the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Tracking Team has been tasked with tracing the suspects, who remain on the run.

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) condemned the Bronkhorstspruit shooting, describing it as a “senseless act of brutality” and calling on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.

“Violence in our communities has reached alarming levels,” said FOSA national leader Tebogo Mashilompane. “We call for decisive action to ensure justice for the victims and safety for all South Africans. Tavern owners must also play their part by enforcing safety checks to prevent firearms from entering their premises.”

Mashilompane said FOSA’s condolences go to the families of the victims, adding that South Africans must “unite against criminal elements that terrorise our communities.”

The Chairperson of the Gauteng Legislature’s Community Safety Committee, Dr Bandile Masuku, expressed concern over the spate of shootings across the province, warning that gun-related violence is becoming a “public safety emergency.”

“What we are seeing is deeply troubling,” said Masuku. “The easy access to firearms and the reckless use of guns in social spaces are destroying lives. As the provincial government, we are working with SAPS and municipalities to strengthen enforcement in high-risk areas, but community cooperation is essential. People must report illegal guns and help end this culture of violence.”

He added that the Gauteng Legislature will push for stronger measures to control firearm access and encourage public awareness campaigns about gun safety.

Civil society groups have echoed this sentiment. Gun Free South Africa spokesperson Dwayne Evans recently said gun violence remains one of South Africa’s most pressing public health crises.

“Gunshots remain a significant public health concern,” said Evans. “Every shooting represents a failure of prevention. Communities, tavern owners, and policymakers all need to do more to make public spaces gun-free.”

The two incidents come amid a troubling rise in mass shootings across Gauteng and other provinces. In recent months, multiple tavern shootings in Soweto, Katlehong, and Mamelodi have claimed dozens of lives, sparking outrage and fear among residents.

Crime analysts warn that the proliferation of illegal firearms, coupled with poor policing in some communities, has created an environment ripe for violence.

As Gauteng reels from yet another bloody weekend, residents are calling for urgent action to stop the carnage.

“We can’t keep living in fear,” said Alexandra resident Lerato Maseko. “Every week we wake up to news of another shooting. When will it stop?”

Police have appealed to the public to assist in tracking down the suspects in both cases. Investigations are ongoing.