Army deployed to Reiger Park following deadly weekend ambush

A temporary military presence is in effect in Reiger Park as police track suspects in a fatal Friday night shooting,reports theBoksburg Advertiser. The attack unfolded on August 7 at about 19:15 at the corner of Erica and Buttercups streets, leaving two women and two Provincial SAPS Anti-Gang Unit officers dead. Initial reports indicate that Roleen Lessing (36) and Jaydin Magerman (27) were travelling in a red Volkswagen Polo on their way to a shop when they were shot through the front windscreen.

Constable T Tlomatsane and Constable S Sibeko of the Anti-Gang Unit were subsequently ambushed when they responded to the gunfire. The officers managed to drive a short distance down Erica Street before crashing into a wall. All four victims were declared dead at the scene, and the attackers stole two R5 rifles from the fallen policemen.

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia visited Reiger Park on Saturday (August 8) for a press briefing, confirming that the army has been deployed temporarily to restore order. “We’ve deployed the army, but they won’t be here for long,” Cachalia said. Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser on Saturday, local residents shared their frustration following the shooting.

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“We feel devastated and angry as this has been something that has been normalised,” one resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Another community member voiced deep concern for family safety, saying, “My children’s lives are threatened. I’m even scared to take them to school, and I don’t know how to protect them from this.” Police have opened four murder cases alongside an armed robbery docket and are appealing to the public for information, while residents continue to demand lasting safety solutions.

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