Road users and locals within West Village and the surrounding areas found themselves in a difficult situation on Sunday, 28 July, as many were trapped inside the area and unable to leave safely.
Residents from the Makhulugama informal settlement took to the streets in a violent riot which caused a shutdown of West Village and a section of the R28.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/386146/scorched-land-a-community-held-hostage-by-empty-promises/
These rioters were reportedly protesting against the crime and violence within Makhulugama, venting their frustrations by setting fires and blocking off road access.
The violence continued in the morning hours of Monday, 29 July. Photos and videos show that residents burnt down multiple buildings in the settlement. West Village locals noted that they were attacking Shangaan and Pakistani shops, although this is yet to be confirmed. Eyewitnesses also noted that looting of shops was taking place.
Although the Makhulugama settlement was still a danger zone during the morning hours of Monday, the R28 was open again and residents could freely move within West Village again, although locals are urged to remain vigilant going forward.
It was reported that the police and fire department were on scene.
https://www.facebook.com/NBHWRandfontein/videos/3116591031714269/
A press release from Captain Kay Makhubele from the Police’s Provincial Office stated: “On Sunday morning, 28 July, a group of armed men allegedly robbed people in a tavern at West Village just after midnight. During the robbery, a woman was shot and killed, and five other people were injured and taken to hospital. Furthermore, in the early hours of Sunday, 28 July, two people were found killed in the informal settlement of West Village [Makhulugama]. One man was caught by the community, and assaulted before being rescued by the police. He was taken to hospital under police guard. The suspects are alleged to be part of the group who were brutalising the community last night”.
Captain Makhubele noted that the community started protesting in the streets after the woman was killed.
“The suspects ran away after police launched a search in the shacks at West Village in Krugersdorp.”
