Families of patrollers killed in Soshanguve share harrowing details about shootings
Five people died when they were stoned and later shot at, by suspected criminals.
Bereaved family members react to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's visit to the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve on 23 March 2025 where five community patrollers lost there lives on 22 March 2025. Picture: Thandoluhle Ngcobo/EWN
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JOHANNESBURG - Families of the victims of Saturday’s attack in Soshanguve have shared harrowing details about the incident.
Five people died when they were stoned and later shot at by suspected criminals.
The victims had been patrolling the area in an attempt to curb high levels of crime.
The incident has been met with outrage by police, politicians and the community.
Twenty-seven-year-old Katlego Motlotsi was unable to find employment when he volunteered to join the patrollers.
READ: Police Minister Mchunu condemns killing of 5 community safety patrollers in Soshanguve
His cousin Rose Phahla said he was dedicated to the job and expressed his love for it.
Phahla said she was saddened that he died on duty and the manner in which he died.
She said he will be remembered by his family.
"We will miss him for his jokes and playful nature, also when we were at family gatherings he would always be the one dancing, and would bring his mother to join him."
She is calling for justice for those who have been attacked.