Teen Suspects Arrested in Westbury and Reiger Park Mass Shootings as Police Crack Down on Gang Violence

Gauteng’s Anti-Gang Unit closes in on suspects behind deadly turf wars

The Anti-Gang Unit has made key arrests following two deadly mass shootings that shook Johannesburg’s gang-troubled communities of Westbury and Reiger Park, marking what police call a “major breakthrough” in the province’s fight against organised gang violence.

Two teenage suspects, aged 19 and 17, have been arrested in connection with the Westbury shooting, which left two teenagers dead and five others injured on 22 October. In a separate case, another 23-year-old suspect has been apprehended for the Reiger Park drive-by shooting, where six people were killed and three injured over the weekend.

Streets Turned Warzones

Both shootings are believed to be gang-related, part of an escalating turf war that has plagued these Johannesburg townships for years.

In Westbury, gunfire erupted along Croesus Street, a known hotspot for gang activity. Witnesses described scenes of panic as bullets tore through the street, hitting bystanders, including teenagers who were simply hanging out after school.

Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, speaking to media on Tuesday, confirmed that officers had captured three suspects, saying the team worked “tirelessly” alongside crime intelligence and visible policing units.

“Two of them are 19 years old and one is 17,” said Kekana. “The arrests bring the total number of suspects to five. They will appear in court on Thursday in Sophiatown.”

“Purely Gangsterism,” Says Police

According to investigators, the Westbury attack stemmed from rival gang conflict, with both the victims and shooters belonging to opposing groups already known to police.

“That’s purely gangsterism,” Kekana said bluntly. “Eyewitnesses who know the suspects personally gave crucial statements that helped us make these arrests.”

In the Reiger Park case, police say at least one of the deceased was affiliated with a notorious local gang, confirming suspicions that the drive-by was a revenge hit.

Although police have already made several arrests, others remain on the run. “We know who they are,” said Kekana. “We are not sleeping until we capture all of them so that they can face justice.”

A Crisis Rooted in Youth and Desperation

Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of these shootings is the age of those involved, both the victims and perpetrators.

Major General Kekana expressed deep concern that many of those caught up in gang violence are barely out of school, calling it a symptom of deeper social breakdowns in family and community structures.

“It’s an unfortunate situation, a social problem that needs an integrated approach,” he said. “It starts from the household. Parents must know where their children are, who they spend time with, and whether they’re going to school.”

He urged families and communities to play a stronger role in guiding young people away from crime, saying police cannot win this battle alone.

Westbury and Reiger Park: Communities on Edge

Both Westbury, in Johannesburg’s west, and Reiger Park, near Boksburg, have long histories of gang-related crime. Generations of unemployment, poverty, and drugs have created a breeding ground for criminal networks that recruit children as early as 13.

Local residents say fear has become part of daily life. “You hear gunshots almost every week,” said a Westbury mother on social media. “Our children can’t even walk to school safely anymore.”

In Reiger Park, residents are demanding more visible policing and community patrols. “We appreciate the arrests,” one local leader said, “but we need ongoing protection, not just after a tragedy.”

A Glimmer of Justice Amid Grief

While the arrests bring some relief, many families remain shattered. Two teenage boys from Westbury, both under 18 were among those killed, their deaths sparking renewed outrage about the failure to curb youth gang recruitment.

For now, Gauteng’s Anti-Gang Unit says it will intensify operations in both communities. More arrests are expected in the coming days as detectives track down the remaining suspects.

In Westbury and Reiger Park, the pain runs deep, but so does the determination to reclaim their streets.

As one resident put it:

“We’re tired of burying our children. Maybe this time, justice will send a message strong enough to stop the next bullet.”

{Source: The Citizen}

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