JOHANNESBURG - The mother of one of the four people killed in Saturday’s shooting in Westbury says her son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Shana Lyners’ son, Caston, was among four people killed in the shooting, which has left the Westbury community demanding an end to the violence.
Lyners says Keston had gone to a flat to collect something when gunmen opened fire.
She says her son was not involved with the people at the flat and had no reason to expect that he would be caught in the shooting.
“I’m not coping. I can’t. I don’t think I’ll cope anytime soon because losing Caston… Caston was everything to me.”
Lyners says Caston was part of a close-knit family of three and that his death has left her struggling to imagine life without him.
“It was only the three of us. It’s been three of us. Now my life without Keston, how is it going to be? Will I ever be the same again?”
She says residents are living in fear amid ongoing reports of shootings and robberies in the area.
Lyners is also calling for stronger action from law enforcement, saying residents need to feel safe in their own community.
Meanwhile, Parliament is seeking answers to the country's ongoing gang violence crisis.
The Portfolio Committee on Police is launching an inquiry into gang-related violence, with victims, families, civil society organisations and community groups expected to share their experiences and concerns.
The inquiry will also examine current efforts to combat gang violence and identify possible solutions.