Watch: N4 at Schoemanskloof closed after shoot-out involving alleged zama-zamas
Motorists were forced to find alternative routes after gunfire erupted alongside the busy highway, with police still investigating what sparked the clash.
A roadside shoot-out forced the temporary closure of the N4 at Schoemanskloof in Mpumalanga yesterday (September 29) after alleged illegal miners opened fire, reports the Lowvelder.
The shooting broke out at about 08:30 at a known illegal mining site on the Crocodile River near Montrose. The N4 was temporarily closed at the Montrose and Crossings junctions while police attended the scene. The road was later reopened, although police remained in the area.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison advised motorists to use alternative routes, including via Ngodwana or Waterval Boven, for their safety.
Police investigate roadside shooting
The cause of the shootout and who was involved remained unclear.
Brigadier General Donald Mdhluli from Mpumalanga SAPS said police could not find anything after the shooting and suspected the shooters had fled after seeing the police.
“We continue to monitor the area and hope to find out what the cause of the shootout was,” said Mdhluli.
The incident occurred at the same site where at least four people were killed in a shootout on August 28, according to reports.
Watch video here:
@lowvelder Alleged illegal miners opened fire on the N4 at Schoemanskloof today, September 29. The road was temporarily closed as a safety measure following the incident. > Video: Supplied #zamazama #illegalmining #miners #schoemanskloof #n4
♬ original sound – Lowveld Media
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