At least three people have been killed and another injured in a spate of escalated shootings that have rocked the community of Grassy Park over the past two days. The suburb has faced near daily shootings since early November, notably in Parkwood, Lotus River and neighbouring Ottery.

The incidents have had a destabilising effect on the local community and have left many residents traumatised and on-edge.

Other incidents to have occurred over the past two months include a triple shooting on the 6th November that left two men dead and a further injured, a discovery of live ammunition on the 7th, the double shooting of a 24-year old female and 19-year old male on the 10th, the discovery of a 12-guage on the 12th December, as well as numerous other shootings, murders and arrests over the period.

“Most of these incidents are gang related and it is a sad situation for Grassy Park because, besides the guns and shootings there is also a tremendous amount of drugs being traded in the area,” explains Reverend Philip Bam, public relations officer for the Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF).

The drug busts include the arrest of a 38-year old Indian male on charges of dealing in dagga and the arrest of a Nigerian national for possession of R4 million’s worth of tik (methamphetamine).

With the situation in the area deteriorating, Bam says the area’s CPF are appealing to residents to help identify those they suspect to be in possession of illegal firearms or drugs, as well as individuals suspected of being involved in any gang related activity. He has also called for more police presence in the area.

“We are also appealing to the authorities to please come and help Grassy Park; the police in the area are not equipped to deal with this adequately because they have limited resources. We need more resources in Grassy Park, we need more police people and if it’s possible at all, one needs the police to be supported by strong forces like the army,” Bam has urged.

Bam has also lamented the fact that many parents in the area are reluctant to come forward if they suspect their child may be in possession of a firearm.

“I know people are afraid that if they talk to some police people then that will be reported to the gangsters, but there are other ways of reporting it. Come to us (CPF), phone the emergency police call centre, do something about it. It’s something we can do to stop this tide of violence,” he states.

Cases can be reported to the Grassy Park station at 21 700 3900 or via email at GrassyParkSAPS@saps.org.za. VOC