‘Where’s the army?’ – Cachalia confronted over SANDF deployment after Westbury shooting

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia speaks to the media at the JMPD Headquarters in Sophiatown on 10 November 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia faced sharp criticism as he was questioned about the delayed deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) following a fatal shooting in Westbury, Gauteng. The minister was briefed on the incident during a visit to Sophiatown police station on Saturday, 7 March 2026, after five people were shot earlier in the week.

Among the victims was a 15-month-old baby girl who was injured in the attack. Two people diedas a result of the shooting, including the baby’s mother. Westbury has for years struggled with gang-related violence, with shootings frequently placing residents in danger.

Cachalia’s visit marked his second trip to the area in just a few months, after a previousvisit in November 2025. Addressing the media on Saturday morning, Cachalia said the shooting remained under investigation and that the South African Police Service (Saps) was assessing how to intensify efforts to combat gang activity in Westbury and other affected areas. The minister told reporters he would receive a report on the incident and stressed that institutions beyond the police, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), must be part of the broader strategy to tackle gang violence. He also acknowledged that the police’s anti-gang unit requires additional support and resources.