Westbury residents call for army deployment after deadly gang shooting

In the streets of Westbury, the sound of gunfire has become a terrifyingly familiar reality.

After another deadly shooting claimed two lives this week, many residents say enough is enough and they want the South African National Defence Force brought in to help restore order.

The latest attack happened on Thursday evening when gunmen opened fire on a group of people standing at a corner in the neighbourhood. Five people were struck by bullets in what locals believe was a gang-related shooting.

Among those killed was 19-year-old Reece Oliphant, while an adult woman also died from her injuries after being rushed to hospital.

Three others were wounded including a 15-month-old baby, whose injury has shaken the community.

A community caught in the crossfire

According to South African Police Service, the victims were standing at the intersection of Larkspur Court and Jacaranda Court when an unknown number of suspects opened fire.

Residents say the violence unfolded within seconds.

The injured victims were taken to hospital, but the adult woman was declared dead on arrival.

For locals, the tragedy is not just another crime statistic it’s another painful reminder of how gang violence has embedded itself into daily life.

“We have suffered long enough”

Community leaders say frustration has reached breaking point.

Bianca Oliver, a community activist in Westbury, says residents have been calling for stronger intervention for years.

“We have begged and pleaded that the army needs to come and assist. We need more help on the ground,” she said.

Oliver added that although shootings are often labelled as gang-related, innocent residents are frequently the ones who suffer.

“Not everyone who gets shot is part of a gang. These are senseless killings that are affecting the entire community.”

Violence that refuses to disappear

The latest shooting follows another tragic incident in October 2025, when two teenagers were killed in a similar attack in the area.

For many residents, the cycle of violence feels endless.

Westbury a tight-knit suburb west of central Johannesburg has long struggled with gang activity and drug trafficking networks.

Families who have lived in the community for generations say children are growing up surrounded by crime, with many fearing they could become the next victims of stray bullets.

On social media, residents and concerned South Africans expressed both anger and exhaustion.

Some called for urgent government action, while others said communities like Westbury have been forgotten for too long.

Army deployment may take longer

While calls for the army to intervene are growing louder, officials say it may not happen immediately.

Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said deploying soldiers requires careful preparation.

One major concern is that military personnel are not trained in routine policing.

“It is going to take a little bit longer than originally expected,” Cachalia explained.

He said soldiers would first need specialised training to operate in communities affected by gang violence and to understand the limits of their role.

Strengthening the fight against organised crime

Beyond potential military support, authorities are also looking at strengthening the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, which focuses on dismantling criminal syndicates.

Cachalia acknowledged that tackling organised crime networks has become increasingly urgent.

“The tragedy we witnessed here is heartbreaking,” he said.

Law enforcement officials believe a more coordinated strategy is needed to disrupt gang structures that have taken root in several urban communities.

Families demand answers

Local ward councillor Merlyin Smouse says the emotional toll on residents cannot be ignored.

She urged authorities to engage directly with the grieving families and explain what concrete steps are being taken to improve safety.

“The families are crying,” Smouse said.

She added that residents feel abandoned as they continue to deal with violence almost daily.

A neighbourhood asking for peace

Westbury is known for its strong sense of community neighbours who know one another, families that have lived side by side for decades, and streets once filled with children playing outside.

But for many residents, those memories now clash with the harsh reality of gunfire echoing through the neighbourhood.

Whether through stronger policing, anti-gang operations or a military deployment, locals say they simply want what most communities take for granted:

The chance to live without fear.