The Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (GPCPF) are raising concerns among residents that Nita Street in Lotus River is becoming a crime hotspot, in light of last week’s murder in which four men were gunned down.

Last Thursday, police said the Western Cape anti-gang unit detectives were investigating a deadly shooting in Lotus River that left four men dead and another seriously injured on Thursday 18 June, in what police believe is a gang-related attack.

The shooting took place on the corner of Nita and Olga Street in Lotus River.

Community concerns

When People Post enquired whether there were any new arrests, police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said the case is still under investigation and that there are no new developments to report at this stage.

Grassy Park police are investigating murder and attempted murder dockets.

However, GPCPF chair, Nicole Jacobus say residents should practice caution when travelling in Nita Street as they allege it is recently become a hot spot for shootings.

“This is the third shooting incident to occur in this very road, leaving residents living in fear. The situation has become so concerning that many community members constantly have to check whether it is safe to return to their homes. We are once again calling for increased resources in this area, including greater police visibility and additional Law Enforcement deployment. Our community continues to grow, and the resources allocated to it must grow accordingly,” she said.

People’s Post reached out to Grassy Park police for further comment on the matter but they could not respond before the time of publication.

Collective effort curbs crime

She also appeals to local residents not to vandalise state property and police vehicles after the GPCPF sent out a media statement condemning the damage of a police van with a shattered windshield in Lotus River earlier this month.

“Such selfish acts serve no purpose and only hinder the ability of emergency services and law enforcement agencies to effectively serve our residents. Parents, educators, religious leaders, and community stakeholders all have a role to play. We encourage you to have those difficult but necessary conversations with our youth about making the right choices, avoiding negative influences, and choosing their friends wisely,” she said.

Jacobus said she has seen a sufficient police presence in the area working all over Grassy Park, in light of last weeks shooting.

“Crime is not a policing problem alone—it is a community problem. Only by standing together can we build a safer Grassy Park for all,” she said.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the Lotus River shooting incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

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