Police have launched a manhunt for suspects following a gang-related shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, that left two teenagers dead and four others injured on Tuesday evening.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, officers from the Sophiatown SAPS responded to reports of gunfire in the area and found six teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds.
“Two of the victims were declared dead on arrival at hospital, while four others are receiving medical treatment,” Muridili said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was linked to ongoing gang violence that has plagued the Westbury community for years. “It is reported that the six, aged between 14 and 19, were shot by three suspects believed to be members of a rival gang,” Muridili added.
Residents described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted near one of the residential blocks. “We heard multiple gunshots — it sounded like a war zone,” said one community member who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal. “When we came out, we saw young boys lying on the ground. This has to stop.”
The Provincial Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Forensic Services attended the scene late into the night, while District Crime Intelligence has been mobilised to help identify and track down the suspects. Detectives are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby properties and interviewing witnesses.
Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. “We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or knows the whereabouts of the suspects to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially,” Muridili said.
The shooting has once again drawn attention to the persistent gang violence and drug-related turf wars in Westbury, where rival groups have battled for dominance over the years, leaving residents living in fear.
Community leaders have called for greater police visibility and long-term interventions to address the social and economic factors fuelling gang activity among the youth.
“This tragedy shows that young people are being caught in the crossfire of gangsterism that continues to destroy our community,” said a local activist. “We need urgent action — not only arrests but also programmes that give our children alternatives to crime and drugs.”
As police continue their investigation, families of the victims are mourning yet another senseless loss of young lives in one of Johannesburg’s most troubled neighbourhoods.
