Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the distressed community of Riverlea, west of Johannesburg, in the aftermath of violent protests sparked by illegal mining activities in the area.
Five bodies were discovered following an alleged gun battle between rival zama zama groups, leaving residents demanding an end to the menace that plagues their neighborhood.
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During his visit, Minister Cele assured the community of a swift response to their concerns within 24 hours.
He pledged to deploy the Tactical Response Team (TRT), also known as the ‘Amaberethe,’ to confront the criminals responsible for the unrest.
Addressing the community’s fears of constant gunfire, Cele promised to flush out these criminals and ensure they no longer threaten the safety of the residents.
This isn’t the first time Minister Cele has intervened in communities facing violent crime. In the past, similar interventions were made in Diepsloot, Pimvillle, and Kliptown, but some community leaders expressed dissatisfaction, claiming not much changed since then.
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Opposition parties have criticized Cele’s handling of the police ministry, but the minister called for unity, emphasizing that the impact of crime transcends political affiliations.
As the community eagerly awaits action, Minister Cele’s promises a renewed effort to combat illegal mining and bring stability back to the affected neighborhoods.
