The residents of Riverlea took to the streets this week in protest against illegal mining. Picture: Shaun Holland
“We cannot live like this, it’s not hell. People are being slaughtered.”
These are the words of a fearful Riverlea resident following a deadly gun battle in the area on Saturday night, which left five dead.
Angry and frustrated residents took to the streets early on Monday morning, barricading Main Reef Road with rocks and burning tyres.
They are protesting over illegal mining in the area and also against the zama zamas.
Riverlea resident Keenan Shernan told The Citizen the community is being terrorised by the zama zamas.
“Last week was the worst, from Friday until Sunday. We’ve seen tremendous shootings, bodies spread across the community. These are human beings, these are people. We are not used to seeing this. This is not a war zone.”
Shernan has urged government to rid the area of illegal miners.
“If the government doesn’t have a plan, it must make a plan to help us get rid of these illegal miners. These guys are ruthless. There’s even footage of them running through our streets with weapons. We cannot live like this, it’s not hell.
“In extension 3, we have stray bullets flying through people’s windows where their children sleep. This is not normal, all we want is help. With this situation comes a lot of violent activities, prostitution, rape, drugs. People are being slaughtered,” Shernan said.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Riverlea protesters barricade Main Reef Road after deadly zama zama gun battle
Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is monitoring the protest.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla urged motorists to use alternative routes.
He said the situation is tense at the moment, however, JMPD officers have been deployed to the area.
“The roads that are affected include the Main Reef Road, at the intersection of Commando and New Canada Road.
“There are further reports of traffic disruptions on Nasrec Road near Juskei Drive. These closures have affected traffic on New Canada Road as well as Pennyville travelling towards Main Reef Road. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and use alternative routes.”
Police responded to the shooting near Zamimpilo informal settlement on Saturday night.
Spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said during the investigation police discovered five bodies with gunshot wounds at the scene.
“A preliminary investigation suggests two rival groups of illegal miners were shooting at each other in the area, and that led to the death of five people.
“Police have deployed members from the Tactical Response Team and Public Order Policing to monitor the area. A case of murder, with five counts, has been opened,” Masondo said.
ALSO READ: Police launch manhunt after NFP councillor gunned down in KZN
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