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In a shocking attack that has left two people dead and several wounded, including Johannesburg's Chief Whip, Councillor Sithembiso Zungu, violence overshadowed what was meant to be a charitable occasion. The African National Congress councillor was taking part in a school shoe donation event when unidentified gunmen abruptly infiltrated the event and unleashed a hail of bullets on the unsuspecting participants.
The charity drive, coordinated by Rand Water and the City of Johannesburg, was held at the Zakariyyah Park Community Hall in Lehae, a suburb near Lenasia. At the time of the attack, approximately 75 learners from several local schools, including Lehae Primary School and Elethu Themba Public School, were present with the expectation of receiving donations.
The rapid gunfire resulted in the instant death of two individuals at the scene, while the Chief Whip and two others were hurriedly transported to the hospital, suffering from gunshot wounds. The swift medical response ensured that Councillor Zungu and other injured parties received immediate care, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
Speaker of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Margaret Arnolds, addressed the incident, underscoring that Councillor Zungu was engaging in official council business at the time of the assault. The municipal authorities plan to issue a comprehensive statement to shed light on the event and its aftermath.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, detailed the preliminary findings of the ongoing investigation. The assailants' entrance into the hall and their subsequent escape in a white vehicle have been confirmed, but their motives are yet to be determined. The South African Police Service has urged the public to come forward with any information that might lead to the capture and prosecution of the perpetrators involved in the Zakariyyah Park shooting.
In the wake of the tragedy, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane relayed his relief that no learner or teacher was harmed. Chiloane also announced the deployment of psychosocial support to the affected institutions to administer trauma counselling to those who witnessed the dreadful scene.
The incident has sparked a profound state of distress within the community and has warranted calls for increased security at public events. The city's residents, still reeling from the impact, are expecting answers and actions to prevent such incidents in the future.
With sentiments of mourning and quests for healing dominating the social and political landscape of Johannesburg, this shooting at a charity event encapsulates an urgent need for resolution against the backdrop of community-driven initiatives.