As gunshots echo through the streets of Hanover Park, a community activist is pleading with the community and authorities to bring an end to the bloodshed in the area.

As the South African Defence Force (SANDF) hits the ground from today, two people have been gunned down in Turfburg Walk earlier this morning.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the victims, aged 25 and 33, were found in an informal dwelling in the area with gunshot wounds to their bodies.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says the motive for the attack is being investigated.

“The 25-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victim was transported to a medical facility in a private vehicle where he was declared deceased on arrival at the hospital. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”

Hanover Park Community Police Forum (CPF) media liaison, Kashiefa Mohammed says the community is bleeding as gang violence continues to tear through the area.

“This is a gang-related incident, and it is unfortunate that it happens at the time when people are heading to work. Our people are left fearing the very area that belongs to them, and we should bring an end to it. Gangs are hindering our freedom.”

Mohammed has expressed deep concern around the latest “trend” in which police and law enforcement officials are subjected to stone-throwing when responding to complaints in the area.

“It is unacceptable that those who are sent to try and restore peace to the area are met with such activities.”

Furthermore, Mohammed says she hopes the deployment of the SANDF will bring about meaningful change in areas where violence seems to be escalating.

“We beg and plead that we will see a difference now that the army will be deployed, just so that we can have some peace in our areas. We hope to see fewer killings in the coming days.