MEMORANDUM
TO: Ward Councillor, Tsakane CPF, Ekurhuleni Metro Police, SAPS Tsakane, Ekurhuleni Municipality, Department of Education - Gauteng
FROM: Concerned Residents of Tsakane Township
DATE: 10 August 2026
SUBJECT: URGENT COMMUNITY SAFETY CONCERN, THREATS TO RESIDENTS AND SUPPORT NEEDED FOR LWAZI [SURNAME] FOLLOWING SHOOTING INCIDENT
1. PURPOSE
This memorandum serves to bring to your urgent attention the escalating safety crisis in Tsakane Township following the shooting of a 16-year-old learner, Lwazi , and the subsequent threats received by community members who took action against illegal spaza shops.
. BACKGROUND
1. On [02/07/2026], Lwazi , a young teenager from Tsakane, was shot and critically wounded. He remains hospitalized and is still fighting for his life.
2. The nature of his gun wound is severe and unpredictable. Doctors are doing everything possible to save his life.
3. The incident has left the family devastated. Beyond the medical crisis, Lwazi’s education has been severely disrupted during a critical time in the school year.
4. Following the shooting, community members took action to remove illegal foreign nationals operating spaza shops in the area.
5. Since then, members of the community have been receiving *death threats* from unknown individuals. This has created fear, tension, and uncertainty in Tsakane. [Surname]
3. KEY CONCERNS
1. Safety of Residents : Community members fear for their lives due to ongoing death threats.
2. Medical Emergency : Lwazi’s condition remains critical and unstable.
3. Education Disruption : Lwazi is missing school and requires academic support to prevent further setbacks.
4. Community Tension : The situation risks escalating into further violence if not addressed urgently.
4. REQUESTS / RECOMMENDATIONS
We respectfully request urgent intervention and support on the following:
1. Increased Police Presence : Deploy visible SAPS and EMPD patrols in Tsakane, especially around schools, shops, and residential areas to prevent further violence.
2. Investigation : Fast-track the investigation into Lwazi’s shooting and the source of the death threats. Provide case feedback to the community.
3. Victim Support : Assign a SAPS Victim Support Officer and hospital social worker to assist the Lwazi family with trauma counseling and support.
4. Education Support : Department of Education to assist with home-schooling materials and catch-up plan for Lwazi during his recovery.
5. Community Engagement : Facilitate an urgent meeting between SAPS, Municipality, CPF, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address safety, spaza shop compliance, and lawful processes.
6. Legal Compliance : Municipality and relevant departments to enforce business bylaws regarding spaza shops through proper legal channels.
5. CONCLUSION
The Tsakane community is grieving, afraid, and desperate for leadership. We cannot allow another child to be harmed, nor can we allow fear to divide us. We appeal for your immediate intervention to restore safety, support the Lwazi family, and bring stability back to Tsakane.
We stand ready to work with all authorities to find a peaceful and lawful solution.
Prepared by:
Community Representative: Phaphama Mokoena
Contact: 0680121001
ON BE HALF OF TSAKANE RESIDENTS