Community leaders in South Africa’s violence-prone Diepsloot township say foreigners were not involved in the shooting to death of two people in the area on Friday, almost two weeks after Zimbabwean domestic worker Elvis Nyathi’s was killed by a vigilante group.
In a statement, councilors Julius Maake of Ward 95 and Abraham Mabuke of Ward 113 said the two victims were shot by known assailants.
“We can confirm that 3 people got shot by known people. 2 died on scene and the 3rd one sustained injuries. The third person was transported to hospital for treatment under police guard. It is important to inform the community that this incident has nothing to do with foreign nationals. Police are following positive leads that will end in arrests.
“We are therefore appealing to our community members together with all leaders to give space law enforcement agencies to deal with this matter without any interference. In due course a report will be given. Working together we can build a better society.”
Nyathi was abducted, tortured and murdered in cold blood by his assailants. Seven suspects appeared in court Friday facing charges of murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause bodily harm and abduction.
They are expected to appear in court on Monday.
Diepsloot has been recording serious cases of violence of late amid concerns that some are linked to Operation Dudula, an anti-immigration group, which is calling for the removal of all illegal immigrants from South Africa.
Operation Dudula claims that foreigners have grabbed most jobs and are committing serious crimes. But representatives of immigrants say not all Zimbabweans are committing crimes in South Africa.
A South African news outlet, eNCA, quoted a police spokesperson as saying the assailants fled on foot.