Riverlea residents described the area as a warzone after fierce fighting broke out between rival illegal mining gangs (zama zamas) on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Gauteng police discovered the bodies of five people in the aftermath of the gunfight on Sunday, 30 July.
The authorities believe that the fighting broke out on Saturday evening, 29 July, resulting from a clash over territory.
The Riverlea area is adjacent to Zamimpilo informal settlement, which is a hotspot for illegal mining activities, News 24 reported.
Riverlea residents allege that 20 people were shot
According to Democratic Alliance (DA) MP James Lorimer, Riverlea residents reported that far more than five people were shot, estimating that the number could be as his as 20.
The resident also claimed that the fighting spilled into the suburban area, with armed men roaming the streets with automatic weapons.
According to TimesLIVE, one resident reportedly treated a seriously wounded man and woman outside their house while waiting on the ambulance.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said officers were deployed from the tactical response team and public order policing to monitor the area.
South Africans weigh in on the Riverlea zama zama gunfight
Below are some comments:
@ThibosAfrika claimed:
“Bullets were flying last night.”
@leboo_m_ added:
“Bullets were flying for over 30 minutes in Riverlea last night, absolutely terrifying for the community. I even saw the people who were shooting in a group running towards High Gate.”
@mashoodoZ said:
“That Zamimpilo skwatakamp is a problem…”
@OMosiane demanded:
“It’s about time our law enforcement agencies up their game against these thugs. This is way out of hand.”
Suspected Zama Zama dies in Braamfischer explosion, community members illegal mining is rife
Briefly News reported that another explosion rocked Johannesburg. This time it was in Braamfischer, Soweto, south of Johannesburg. The blast occurred on Thursday, 20 July.
According to Gauteng Premier Panyanza Lesufi, the explosion resulted in a single fatality, with two others injured.
