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Riverlea and West Rand residents fear for their lives due to increased shootings. The shootings and other deaths are a result of illegal mining by Zama-Zamas. The Democratic Alliance demands that the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, engage with the national counterparts, Minister of Police and Minister of Defence to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to all crime hotspots for ongoing patrols to strengthen and support the police in these areas.

Crime is rising while our police stations in Gauteng are severely underequipped, even though Premier Lesufi promised to address the massive crime problem. If we don’t declare war on crime and protect our communities, our communities will live in a war zone as gangs and Zama-Zamas continue to thrive and kill innocent citizens of our province.

In the most recent shooting in Riverlea, at least 20 people were shot by Zama-Zamas operating in the area. The deceased bodies were carried away in blankets and transported out of the community in taxis. The illegal mining occurs close to a Transnet pipeline, which could lead to another explosion if not stopped immediately.

This follows a gas explosion in Boksburg that claimed the lives of 17 people as a result of illegal mining. Despite the promise made by the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, of daily patrols in the area to assist with crime prevention, this only lasted 48 hours. This led to illegal mining activity resuming again.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Community Safety and Gauteng Premier have been silent on the situation, with little to no reports on what action is being taken against the Zama-Zamas and the ongoing shootings. The communities affected by the Zama-Zama are too scared to leave their homes.

Furthermore, the DA’s proposal for a commission of inquiry into the gang violence, which included areas such as Riverlea and Boksburg, has been approved. However, there have been no timelines and investigations done to find tangible solutions in this regard.

The SAPS is unable to address crime in these areas and we believe it is time for the Premier to engage the SANDF to provide the necessary support to address the issue of gang violence and Zama-Zamas.

Issued by Crezane Bosch MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety