Residents of Eldorado Park are demanding curfews and a stronger security presence after a mass shooting left two dead and several injured. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Eldorado Park — As a manhunt continues for those behind a deadly mass shooting in Eldorado Park, shaken residents are demanding urgent and sustained action to curb escalating violence in the area.
The latest incident, which took place over the weekend, left two people dead and six others injured after gunmen opened fire during a social gathering — reigniting fears over gang-related crime.
Community leaders are now calling for drastic measures, including weekend and late-night curfews, as well as a stronger and more consistent military presence.
Local activist Keith Duarte said the recent deployment of the South African National Defence Force was a step in the right direction — but far from enough.
“We need the army at night. We need curfews, especially on weekends, because most of the shootings happen on the weekend and at night,” Duarte said.
According to South African Police Service spokesperson Brenda Muridili, eight gunmen stormed a yard where residents had gathered before opening fire indiscriminately and fleeing the scene.
The attack follows a similar shooting in Westbury just two weeks ago, where two people were killed — underscoring the growing crisis in Gauteng’s gang violence hotspots.
Peter Rafferty of the African Independent Congress said while the army’s presence signals the seriousness of the situation, it must lead to real, lasting results.
“The recent deployment of the army in Eldorado Park reflects the seriousness of the security challenges our communities face. However, the presence of the army must translate into intensified and sustained efforts to remove illegal firearms from our streets and the dismantling of criminal networks to ensure that those who are responsible for terrorising our communities are brought to justice.”
Duarte also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between law enforcement, the military and the community, noting that recent arrests were made possible through community tip-offs.
“The work of the army goes hand in hand with the community. We had anticipated working with the police, but unfortunately, they are not prepared to work with us. As activists, we also want to work with the army. It would be healthier if we had a working relationship with the army,” he added.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that the SANDF deployment forms part of a broader strategy targeting high-crime areas across multiple provinces, including Gauteng.
“With careful planning, intelligence and research, while listening to the concerns of citizens across the country, the intervention will focus on hotspot areas including, but not limited to, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape and Eastern Cape,” Masemola said.
Meanwhile, Herman Mashaba, leader of ActionSA, expressed frustration that the latest attack occurred despite the presence of soldiers deployed to stabilise the area.
“Endemic violence and the proliferation of drugs continue to destroy families and steal hope for a better future,” Mashaba said. “The reign of terror has to end.”
As fear grips the community, residents say only decisive, visible and sustained intervention will restore a sense of safety in Eldorado Park.
