I am devastated by the horrific shooting in Wedela last night, which claimed the lives of 17 people and left another 15 wounded.
Seventeen people from our community did not go home to their families last night. Today, their families face unimaginable loss, injured residents are receiving medical care, and the people of Wedela are trying to comprehend an act of extraordinary violence.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every person who was killed. My thoughts are also with those who were wounded, and I wish them strength and recovery.
Wedela is part of our Merafong community. The DA stands with Wedela.
Police have launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men following the shooting. The motive remains unknown and no arrests have been announced as yet.
I urge residents not to circulate speculation or unverified information while the investigation is underway. Anyone with information that could assist the police should come forward through the official SAPS channels.
But our responsibility cannot end with expressing condolences.
We need to understand how eight heavily armed men were allegedly able to carry out an attack of this magnitude in our community, and we need to know what resources are being deployed to find them and bring them before the law. Police have confirmed that the suspects were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols.
I will follow the progress of this investigation closely. I will work with Ina Cilliers MPL to ensure that questions are raised in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature about the police response, the progress of the investigation, and what is being done to prevent another community in Merafong from experiencing violence on this scale.
Today, however, our first responsibility is to the people directly affected.
To the families who have lost someone: Merafong grieves with you.
To those who were injured: we are thinking of you and hoping for your recovery.
And to the people of Wedela: you do not stand alone. I stand with Wedela, and we will get to the bottom of this heinous act of violence.