The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Gauteng is deeply saddened and angered by the mass shooting in Wedela, Carletonville, which has now claimed the lives of 18 people. At least 18 others were injured, with some still in critical condition. Our thoughts and condolences go to the families, friends, colleagues and the entire community that has been affected by this tragedy.

This is a painful reminder that working-class communities continue to live under serious threats of violent crime. People should be able to go to community establishments, spend time with their families and friends, and return home safely. No community should live in fear that armed criminals can enter a public place and take innocent lives.

According to police, armed suspects opened fire on people inside and outside the tavern. Police have launched a multidisciplinary investigation and are investigating 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, armed robbery and malicious damage to property.

We are concerned about reports that the shooting may be connected to an earlier violent incident in the area. Police have said retaliation is one of the lines of investigation, while other possible motives are still being investigated. COSATU believes that the final motive must be established through a proper investigation and that no community should be left to deal with organised violence on its own.

The presence of illegal firearms organised criminal activity and alleged illegal mining-related violence in parts of the West Rand must receive serious attention. The working class cannot be expected to live in communities where gunshots become normal and where families are afraid to allow their loved ones to move around freely.

COSATU Gauteng further calls for stronger police intelligence and visible policing in vulnerable communities. Law enforcement must not only respond after people have been killed. There must be preventative action to identify criminal groups, remove illegal firearms and disrupt organised criminal networks before more lives are lost.

The government must also provide proper support to the families of the victims and to survivors of the shooting. Those who survived such a traumatic attack may need medical care, counselling and other social support.

We also appeal to communities to provide information to the police that can assist with the investigation, while avoiding the spreading of rumours and unverified information that could cause further pain to affected families or interfere with the investigation.

COSATU Gauteng believes that every working-class person has the right to live, work and socialise in a safe community. The loss of 18 lives in one incident cannot become another statistic that is forgotten after the headlines disappear.

We call on SAPS, the Gauteng Government and all relevant law-enforcement agencies to work together with the community to restore safety in Wedela and surrounding areas.

COSATU Gauteng sends its deepest condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones and wishes those injured a full recovery.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Vusi Monyela: 079 493 5002

Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe: 082 297 2659