The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Gauteng is fast becoming the epicentre of South Africa’s mass-killing crisis, and Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government seems unable to protect communities from ongoing violence. Mass shootings are happening alongside more kidnappings, extortion, and organised crime, showing a wider failure to tackle the criminal networks that put Gauteng residents in danger.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has tabled questions to Premier Lesufi on Gauteng’s escalating mass-killing crisis, seeking clarity on the province’s strategy to prevent attacks, the resources dedicated to investigating them, progress in arresting those responsible, and measures to ensure police in affected areas are adequately staffed, equipped and protected from corruption and criminal infiltration.

According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, South Africa has recorded 41 mass killings and approximately 196 deaths so far this year.

Gauteng is at the centre of this crisis. Three of the seven mass-killing incidents involving five or more deaths recorded nationally between 1 January and 27 September 2026 occurred in Gauteng, claiming 34 lives. The latest and deadliest was the Carletonville massacre, where eight gunmen, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, stormed a local tavern, killing 17 people and injuring 15. It is the deadliest mass-casualty shooting recorded in South Africa in 2026.

Furthermore, between April and June 2026, Gauteng recorded 2,367 kidnappings, more than half of the 4,638 cases nationally. Gauteng also recorded the country’s largest share of extortion cases, with Kempton Park alone seeing kidnappings rise by 58.3% year on year. The province also remains heavily represented among South Africa’s high-crime police precincts, while illegal firearms continue to threaten communities.

The DA Gauteng extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in this weekend’s senseless mass shootings and wishes those injured a full recovery. Our thoughts are also with the people of Lwandle, where 10 people were shot dead within hours of the Carletonville massacre.

South Africa’s violence, including Gauteng’s escalating violence, is driven by interconnected criminal threats such as organised crime, illegal mining, extortion, taxi violence, gangs, and illegal firearms. These networks require a coordinated, intelligence-led response that targets those driving the violence rather than treating each crime in isolation.

A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government will work with our national counterparts in national government to stop the supply of illegal firearms, target the financiers and organisers behind organised crime, and direct policing resources to the communities facing the highest levels of violence. This would include clearing firearm-tracing backlogs, strengthening organised-crime task teams, and ensuring transparent deployment of police resources. In addition, communities would also be encouraged to report illegal firearms, criminal activity, and suspicious networks through Community Policing Forums and neighbourhood watches.

Issued by DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety Michael Sun