The tensions between illegal miners in the Roodepoort area came to a head Friday afternoon as savage violence broke out between members of rival ‘zama-zama’ gangs.
Police have launched a manhunt after the bodies of 10 alleged illegal miners were found in the streets of Matholesville, allegedly beaten to death with rocks. At roughly 3pm Friday, 31 January, nine victims were suspected to be deceased with the tenth being taken to hospital.
Gauteng Provincial Police are quoted via press statement saying, “This attack was hardly 24 hours after Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, together with his team raided the place during operation Okae Molao. The suspects are now accusing the deceased of being involved in criminal activities which attract the police into their illegal mining operational space”.
The victims are confirmed Lesotho nationals and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela stated, “We condemn this barbaric attack and we will we leave no stone unturned in making the people of Matholeville and Roodepoort feel safe. The suspects will be arrested as soon as possible and the police will not sleep until we found them”.
Police are on high alert and are appealing to anyone with information regarding the attack to come forward and assist in arresting the suspects by calling the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
