Residents of Elsies River are living in constant fear as escalating gang violence has turned the area into what many describe as a “war zone.” A surge in shootings over the past few days has resulted in multiple fatalities, leaving the community shaken and calling for urgent intervention from law enforcement.
Recent incidents of gang-related violence have claimed six lives over the weekend, with two more innocent victims caught in the crossfire on Monday. The once-bustling streets of Eureka Estate, also referred to as “White City,” and Clarke Estate have now become danger zones, with local community groups urgently warning residents against passing through these areas.
Residents, gripped by fear, are resorting to extreme measures to protect themselves and their families. A mother from Eureka Estate, who chose to remain anonymous, has opted to keep her children at home rather than risk their safety on the way to school.
“We cannot even go to the local shop because they stand on the corner with their guns, running up and down the road shooting at each other without looking where the innocent people are or if you are walking with a child. They do not care,”
she said.
“Hulle skiet omtrent and it seems like it is about territory.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that investigations are ongoing following the recent wave of violence. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi provided details of one of the latest incidents.
“Elsies River police responded to a complaint on Monday, 17 February 2025. Upon arrival at the crime scene near Heathview Court in Clarke Estate, they found the body of a 63-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound,”
he said.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. A 15-year-old boy who also sustained a gunshot wound was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The unknown suspects who fled the scene are yet to be arrested.”
Despite investigations being launched, residents say arrests are rare, and police presence is almost nonexistent when violence erupts.
As the violence continues, distressing footage has surfaced, capturing the terrifying reality faced by those living in Elsies River. A 50-second video posted online shows a group of young men opening fire in broad daylight on 35th Street as cars pass by.
Gun shooting in daylight – Clark Estate, Elsies River today#crime #Guns #murder pic.twitter.com/ur32U2LjSn
— Selwyn Addinall (@AddinallSelwyn) February 16, 2025
In the video, several men can be seen running and exchanging gunfire. One individual is observed shooting repeatedly before reloading his firearm and resuming fire. The group eventually disperses, leaving behind a scene of chaos and fear.
Local safety advocates have expressed frustration at the absence of proactive policing in the area. Chief Hamish Arries of the Elsies River Safety Initiative has criticised SAPS and Law Enforcement for failing to maintain a visible presence despite ongoing shootings.
Similarly, Imraahn Mukaddam, former chairperson of the Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF), has called for urgent intervention to restore order and remove firearms from the streets.
“The dissolution of the CPF has paralysed community safety structures, leaving residents without a voice to convey concerns,”
Mukaddam said.
He added that certain areas need to be cordoned off and searched thoroughly to seize illegal firearms and ammunition before more lives are lost.
“Chief Arries appealed to the Provincial Commissioner General [Thembisile] Patekile to resolve the issue around the Elsies River Community Police Forum, stating that a full-scale gang war is looming and all hands are needed on deck.”
Despite repeated calls for increased police patrols, locals say that law enforcement officers typically arrive only after a shooting has taken place.
“The police only come afterwards when everything is done. Here are no police vans patrolling,”
a resident lamented.
This lack of immediate intervention has left the community feeling abandoned, as families fear for their lives every time they step outside. With children unable to attend school and innocent bystanders being caught in the crossfire, residents believe that without decisive action, the violence will only escalate further.
