Attack on police officers is an attack on the state: Lesufi

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi says authorities will intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the deadly shooting in Reiger Park, East of Johannesburg on Friday night.

Two Anti-Gang Unit officers and two female civilians were shot and killed while responding to gunshots during a police patrol in the area.

Speaking at the scene, Lesufi described the attack on police officers as an attack on the state.

He says, “I’m quite convinced after I’ve received the reports and I get to understand the team that is here on the scene, that I’m convinced that they will do what they have to do, which is to track down the perpetrators, wherever they are.”

Lesufu adds, “My argument is very simple, you attack policemen, you attack the state. So what has just happened here is nothing else but a declaration of war and we have to respond. There’s no way the policemen can fold their arms when one of their own are being attacked,  they’re not going to allow chaos to reign in our own country, in our own province.”

Some residents have called on parents and guardians to stop protecting their children who are involved in criminal activities, saying communities must work with police to end gang violence.

One resident spoke to SABC News on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation says, “I really want to make a call on the mothers and the fathers of Reiger Park, if you know that your child is involved in wrongdoing, please stop protecting them, take them to the police station and let the police deal with them. This violence is not going to stop because as parents we are not always telling the truth, we hide our children’s wrongdoings.”

VIDEO| Interview with Lesufi: