At Least 5 People Gunned Down in Gunfight As Rival Zama Zama Gangs Clash Over Territory in Riverlea

At Least 5 People Gunned Down in Gunfight As Rival Zama Zama Gangs Clash Over Territory in Riverlea

  • A gunfight between rival illegal mining gangs in Riverlea has resulted in the death of five people
  • Gauteng police claim that the fight was a result of a clash over territory between the gangs
  • Police officers have been ployed to the area to monitor the situation and restore peace

PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News launched a YouTube channel Briefly TV. Subscribe now!

JOHANNESBURG - Riverlea residents described the area as a warzone after fierce fighting broke out between rival illegal mining gangs on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

Five people were gunned down in a gunfight between rival zama zama gangs
A shootout between rival zama zama gangs has resulted in the death of five people. Image: Stock image & Tyler Stableford
Source: Getty Images

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.

Read also

Student narrowly survives N2 rock-throwing attack on Cape Town’s infamous ‘Hell Run’

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

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:

Read also

KwaMashu hostel shooting: 2 security guards gunned down while escorting technicians dispatched to cell tower

"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.

TimesLIVE reports that the explosion went off at a residential house. The victims are suspected illegal miners (zama zamas).

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Lerato Mutsila avatar

Lerato Mutsila (Current affairs editor) Lerato Mutsila is a journalist with 3 years of experience. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Pearson Institute of Higher Education in 2020, majoring in broadcast journalism, political science and communication. Lerato joined the Briefly News current affairs desk in August 2022. Mutsila is also a fellow of the 2021/2022 Young African Journalists Acceleration programme, which trained African journalists in climate journalism. You can contact Lerato at lerato.mutsila@breifly.co.za