JOHANNESBURG – Two more people have died following a shooting in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday evening, bringing the death toll to four.
Two ANC members were declared dead at the scene, while five others were wounded. Two of the injured later succumbed to their injuries in hospital, while the remaining three are still receiving treatment.
The victims, aged 21 and 23, were returning from a memorial service for a political party member at Mogobeng Primary School when the shooting occurred. The motive remains unclear.
The case has been handed over to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team for further investigation.
READ | Suspect hands himself over after deadly Katlehong shooting
In a statement, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng said it was angered and outraged by the shooting.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms. It is barbaric, unacceptable, and an assault on the lives and aspirations of young people. No disagreement, conflict or grievance can ever justify the taking of innocent lives,” the youth league said.
It called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“The blood of our young people cannot continue to flow in our streets. Their lives matter, their future matter, and their deaths must not be met with silence,” it said.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the group had been singing in the street after attending the memorial service when a car approached and someone opened fire.
The alleged shooter is reportedly a former councillor in the area.
According to Lesufi, the suspect abandoned the car, got into a taxi and later handed himself over to police.
Lesufi appealed for calm, saying he personally knew some of the victims.
“It is painful. I personally know some of those young people, they are part of our team working in that area.
"We call upon our members to remain calm, the matter is now with the law enforcement agencies, and we will do everything within our powers to support the families,” he said.