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n Diepsloot, the specter of violence continues to haunt residents as another life was claimed on Friday 26 January, marking the seventh death this year in one of the region’s most perilous townships.

The relentless criminal activity has left several others fighting for their lives in hospitals, amplifying fears among the community.

A Diepsloot resident captured the prevailing sentiment, expressing, “At least batho ba Palestine ba tseba that they’re under attack and who their attackers are.

Mo Diepsloot it’s like we’re being attacked by ghosts,” highlighting the residents’ sense of vulnerability and frustration with the lack of identifiable perpetrators.

The latest incident occurred in Diepsloot’s extension 1, where a man fell victim to a fatal shooting. According to a community member at the crime scene, it appears the assailants targeted the victim for robbery, taking his car keys and leaving his lifeless body beside his Renault Kwid. The survivor, reportedly a taxi driver, managed to escape the attack.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a January manhunt initiated by Gauteng police, targeting a group responsible for four murders in a single night across various locations in Diepsloot.

Despite efforts to curb the violence, the community remains on edge, contending with the ongoing reign of terror.

Residents voice their distress, emphasizing that even with a noticeable police presence, criminals continue to act with impunity, instilling fear among the population.

“It’s sad how guns are all over,” laments a community member, reflecting the widespread availability of firearms in the township.

Diepsloot Community Forum leader Loyiso Toyiya, echoing the frustration of the community, demands urgent attention from the government. He questions, “How many more must die before our government takes the issue of crime in Diepsloot seriously?” Toyiya calls for a visit from the president to the township, urging a comprehensive explanation of government initiatives to address the escalating crime wave.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that two individuals shot two weeks ago remain in intensive care. As the community grapples with fear and uncertainty, the call for concrete action to combat crime in Diepsloot grows louder, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between the government and residents to restore safety and security to the troubled township.