Mass shooting arrest raises community fears

FEAR and anguish have continued to grip the residents of Westbury, Johannesburg, despite the arrest of a suspect linked to a mass shooting more than a week ago.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

News of the arrest has been received with mixed feelings, as members of the community allege victimisation of those who are speaking out about the October 21 gang-related teen violence.

This comes as the 20-year-old suspect, arrested on Wednesday, is set to make his first court appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court today.

Reacting to the arrest, the grandmother of one of the surviving teenagers said: “We welcome the arrest of the suspect. However, we are not satisfied that it has taken this long to arrest just one person. We are still in mourning and cannot talk much about this.”

A community member, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that those speaking to the media have become victims of threats and harassment.