The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) has called for a comprehensive national strategy to tackle gangsterism and the spread of illegal firearms fuelling rampant violence across the country.
This follows a horrific drive-by shooting at Reiger Park near Benoni over the weekend, which left six people dead and three others injured.
SAUCIC President, Cardinal Archbishop Dr. Modiri Patrick Shole, condemned the massacre in the strongest possible terms, describing it as “atrocious and barbaric.”
He welcomed the deployment of an additional investigating team to deal with the escalating violence and to address the backlog of unresolved violent crime cases.
“The effort to tackle the scourge of violent crime terrorising our communities must be bolstered, and a strong partnership between law enforcement and communities established to restore the rule of law and confidence in the criminal justice system,” said Shole.
On behalf of the federation’s affiliated Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach, Mission, and Pentecostal churches, Cardinal Shole extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He warned that the culture of impunity had emboldened criminals and eroded trust in the police.
“If the trust deficit is to be replaced by effective and proactive policing, we must confront the reign of terror supporting the drug trade,” he said.
Cardinal Shole urged communities to “draw the line in the sand” by refusing to harbour criminals in their neighbourhoods.
“None of our communities will be safer with armed heartless criminals roaming our streets. Law enforcement must saturate affected areas, throw the gauntlet at criminals, and leave no stone unturned until the marauding gangs are behind bars,” he stressed.
He further appealed for unity among communities to rid themselves of organised criminal syndicates that have instilled fear and hopelessness.
“The church must be at the forefront of reclaiming civil activism and redoubling its support for crime prevention structures, including accountable community policing,” Shole added.
The union reiterated its call for the government, faith-based organisations, and communities to work together urgently to stop the bloodshed and reclaim peace in South Africa’s most affected areas.
