Soshanguve attack: Mother of wounded patroller fears for her daughter’s future! The mother of a community safety patroller who survived Saturday’s brutal attack at the ‘Marry Me’ informal settlement in Soshanguve has spoken out about her concerns regarding her daughter’s condition.
Her daughter, who sustained severe head injuries, remains hospitalized under police guard. She is one of six injured survivors, while five of her fellow patrollers lost their lives in the deadly ambush.
A Night of Terror in Soshanguve
The horrific attack unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning, when a group of 12 patrollers was targeted by armed criminals. The assailants reportedly stoned and shot at the patrollers, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Soshanguve attack
The victims, volunteers dedicated to fighting crime, had been working tirelessly since 2024 to improve community safety. Their efforts were supported by donations from local residents, as they received no formal salary for their work.
Worry and Fear for the Survivors
The wounded patroller’s mother said she is deeply concerned about her daughter’s long-term recovery.
“There are security guards watching them at the hospital, and that puts us at ease, but not entirely because anyone can be bribed to finish them off,” she said.
Her fears highlight the danger survivors still face, as the attackers remain at large.
Police Minister and Gauteng Police Commissioner Visit Soshanguve
In response to the heinous attack, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni visited Soshanguve on Tuesday.
Their visit included:
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A briefing from local police on the investigation’s progress.
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Meetings with affected families to offer support and gather firsthand accounts.
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An assessment of security measures for the survivors in the hospital.
The government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, but residents remain fearful, given the brutality of the attack.
The Role of Community Patrollers
The Soshanguve patrollers had become a vital part of the community’s crime-fighting efforts. Without formal law enforcement resources, these volunteers stepped in to protect residents, often at great personal risk.
Local leaders and community members have praised their dedication and bravery, emphasizing that they were merely trying to make their neighborhood safer.
“They were not criminals. They were heroes who stood up for us,” said a community elder.
Despite their commitment, the attack raises questions about the safety of unarmed community patrollers and whether more should be done to support and protect them.
Ongoing Investigation and Justice for the Victims
Authorities have confirmed that a manhunt is underway to track down the suspects behind the attack.
“We will not allow this level of violence to continue unchecked,” stated Commissioner Mthombeni.
While police work to apprehend those responsible, the community remains in shock and mourning. Families of the deceased are demanding swift justice, and there are calls for better protection for those who risk their lives to protect others.
What’s Next for the Survivors?
For the six patrollers still recovering in the hospital, the physical and emotional scars of the attack may last a lifetime.
The mother of the injured female patroller is hopeful but worried about what the future holds for her daughter.
“She was doing this to help people. Now I don’t know if she will ever be the same again.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by community volunteers and the urgent need for stronger security measures in high-crime areas.
As the investigation continues, the people of Soshanguve are left grappling with grief, fear, and the hope that justice will be served.