The bodies are believed to be those of looters who rampaged through the area in the last three days. Makro and other major businesses in the area were looted and then torched.

The nearby SA Breweries was also looted by mobs. First responders were attacked by the rioters with bottles and other weapons.

Eye witnesses described the scene as “horrific” with many of the looters heavily intoxicated as they consumed the stolen liquor at the scene.

In some instances looters turned on each other as they fought over the stolen alcohol. Some of the bodies were recovered from the Duzi River.

Wednesday night a truck carrying stolen liquor and other looted items overturned whilst fleeing from security forces pursuing the vehicle.

Mi7 officers said one of the people travelling in the truck was killed whilst other sustained serious injuries.

There was a strong presence of the SANDF, SAPS and security groups in the Camps Drift area Thursday.