The Mamelodi East community is reeling in grief and anger following the tragic shooting deaths of two young men whose lives were cut short in a violent incident that has left families devastated and residents demanding justice. **Gift Maseko (21)** and **Mokete Ntladi (22)** were fatally shot on **Tsamaya Road on Friday night, 16 January**, in what has been described as a senseless act of violence.
In the days following the tragedy, emotions have run high as the community came together to honour the victims and voice growing concerns about crime in the area. On **Wednesday, 21 January**, family members, friends, learners, and local leaders gathered at the **Stanza Bopape Community Hall** for a memorial service, followed by a candlelight vigil held near the scene of the shooting. Flowers were laid and prayers offered as mourners reflected on the futures that were abruptly taken away.
Relatives of the deceased spoke openly about the pain of losing their loved ones in such a brutal manner. **Tebogo Mokgabudi**, a cousin of Mokete, described the loss as unbearable and called on police to act swiftly. She appealed to law enforcement to leave no stone unturned in identifying and arresting those responsible. “We are broken as families. Justice is the only thing that can bring us some peace,” she said.
Another family member, **John Tlaka**, echoed these sentiments, saying the families are desperate for answers. He stressed that while rumours have circulated within the community, they want clarity based on facts. “Our loved ones were shot here. We want to know why and who did this,” he said.
Gift’s aunt, **Soni Mabunda**, described her nephew as a young man full of promise whose death has left a permanent scar on the family. She acknowledged hearing rumours suggesting the killers may have wanted forgiveness, but said nothing could justify the loss of life. While she spoke of forgiveness from a spiritual perspective, she insisted accountability must still follow. “Forgiveness does not mean there should be no consequences,” she said.
Community leaders used the gathering to raise alarm over rising crime, particularly among young people. **Comfort Shongwe**, a respected local leader, said the frequency of violent incidents in Mamelodi is deeply troubling. She pointed to drug abuse and the easy availability of illegal firearms as contributing factors. “Too many young people are dying. This cannot be normalised,” she said.
Political representatives also weighed in, calling for urgent intervention. **ActionSA representative Thoko Mabunda** urged police to intensify efforts to remove illegal guns from the streets, while **ANC Ward 93 representative Sandra Mgwenya** called on parents and community members to work together with law enforcement to protect young people from violence.
Police have confirmed that a **double murder case** has been opened and that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As Mamelodi mourns the loss of two sons, the community remains united in grief and in its demand for accountability, hoping this tragedy will spark decisive action against crime and violence.
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