Activist calls for demolishing of Zamimpilo Informal Settlement

SA Police Service illegal mining van.

2 minutes

A Riverlea community activist, Theo Doyle, has called on government to urgently demolish the nearby Zamimpilo Informal Settlement, claiming that it contributes to illegal mining activities and gang violence in the area.

His plea comes after a 59-year-old man was fatally shot in Riverlea, south of Johannesburg, when he became an unintended victim in a violent exchange of gunfire between police and suspected illegal miners.

Police say the deadly encounter happened during a routine patrol on Tuesday evening.

Riverlea has struggled with the issue of illegal mining for many years.

Doyle has also called on the Home Affairs Department to ensure the deportation of undocumented foreigners at the informal settlement.

PODCAST | Zamimpilo Informal Settlement residents are up in arms following a fatal clash between zama zamas and police:

Meanwhile, the sister of the man whose body was found with the gunshot wounds says the family is still in shock.

The victim’s sister says they blame the police for not doing their job.

“I found out this morning, but last night, I heard the gun shots, and somebody came to me this morning and told me my brother is laying there. So, I rushed to the scene…the gunshot was terrible, terrible, terrible. I even sat down on my couch, and I even prayed for my brother last night to keep him safe, just to hear this morning he’s no more. Right now, I don’t trust the police. I don’t trust nobody because what is happening here it is not the first time that things are happening here by Zamimpilo. With my brother laying there, I think the police are not doing their job at all.”