Justice system fails residents, SAPS says Enslin after Primrose shootout between rival zama zama groups

Primrose CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin said the justice system is failing the residents and diminishes police officers’ efforts to make arrests in the fight against illegal miners.

Also read: Primrose CPF intensifies fight against murder and illegal mining

Following additional investigations into the Primrose shootout between rival zama zama groups in Primrose on February 20, it is believed the shootout is linked to the Crown Interchange robberies allegedly involving illegal miners.

“Members risk their lives to keep residents safe, make arrests and remove illegal firearms from the streets, but the courts always release the suspects,” said Enslin in response to the shootout.

“Once an operation is done, the shooting quiets down for a day or two because the suspects still need to appear before the courts. Once they are released, they come back, and the shooting starts again.

“Tuesday’s shooting did not only put civilians in danger, but our police members’ lives were also at stake.

Also read: Illegal mining under scrutiny in Primrose

“We need to see more convictions and deportations. Then we will know we will end illegal mining,“ said Enslin.

Gun battle

Law enforcement members were caught in a gun battle with illegal miners on Shamrock Road after the reports of motorists being robbed on the M1 Johannesburg on the same day.

A shootout between the two rival groups turned on JMPD members when they arrived on the scene. The officers returned fire.

Also read: Rivals turn guns on JMPD officers investigating illegal mining leads

The Joburg metro officers responded to the Primrose incident as they were in the area, investigating illegal mining activities, following the Crown Interchange robberies.

The officers subsequently arrested eight men at the crime scene, which was congested by the JMPD tactical response unit and Primrose SAPS members.

One of the eight suspects sustained serious injuries.

“We believe the Primrose shootout is connected to the M1 robberies allegedly involving illegal miners,” said JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla.

Also read: CPF blames illegal mining for increased murder rate in Primrose

“In response to the reports of robberies and attempting to combat the scourge of illegal mining activities, officers followed up when they received information about the Primrose shooting.

“As the officers arrived at the Primrose location, they saw two groups of men shooting at each other.

“When the suspects noticed the officers, they started shooting at them and the officers returned fire. Amid the shootout, the officers saw a suspect fall to the ground and called for backup.

“When the backup from Primrose SAPS, Flying Squad and Airwing arrived, the officers entered the open veld, where they found one man on the ground. He had been shot, and a rifle was next to him.

Also read: Local crime unit clamps down on illegal mining in Primrose

“The law enforcers apprehended another seven suspects. The wounded suspect was taken to Germiston Hospital under police guard.

“The suspects, consisting of South African and Lesotho nationals, were detained at Primrose SAPS and charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal mining.”