Orange Farm, a township in the south of Johannesburg notorious for high levels of criminal activity including gun violence and gang-related incidents, continues to grapple with safety challenges despite some recent improvements in reported serious crime figures.
Gauteng province recorded a significant drop in community-reported serious crime during the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, covering October to December 2025. However, the province still bears a disproportionate share of the country’s overall crime burden, with areas like Orange Farm remaining among the most crime-ridden hotspots in Johannesburg.
Local residents have voiced deep concerns about their personal safety. One resident described feeling unsafe due to the lack of street lighting, security measures, and reliable transport options, particularly during early morning or late-night hours when waiting at stop signs or commuting. “I’m not safe. I don’t feel safe at all,” the resident said, emphasizing the need for visible policing to help combat crime effectively.
In response to ongoing violence, community members established a patrol group called Amadoda Emizi approximately one year ago. The initiative followed a tragic mass shooting in October 2024 at the Mokokotlong informal settlement in Orange Farm, where seven family members—including a three-year-old boy—were killed in a shooting incident linked to a tavern altercation.
Representatives from Amadoda Emizi explained that the group actively works to fight crime in the area, with gang violence emerging as the most prevalent issue they encounter. Despite their efforts, they face difficulties in providing swift responses, often due to the need to cover multiple locations across the township.
Residents have repeatedly highlighted poor service delivery as a key contributing factor to the surge in crime, pointing to inadequate infrastructure and resources as issues that exacerbate feelings of vulnerability and lawlessness.
Community calls for enhanced collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies continue to grow, with many arguing that increased police visibility and joint efforts are essential to bringing lasting change to the area.