eMBALENHLE – A group of men alleged to be illegal miners and illegal immigrants fled into a field when police vehicles showed up in Mandela Section on Friday, 21 August.
This came after concerned residents alerted the police that a group of men was fighting.
Residents came out of their shacks and watched from a distance when the police arrived.
The group of men mocked the police and spoke Sesotho.
The police managed to arrest one.
According to the men, they were not fighting but were disciplining one of their members for beating his girlfriend.
“We did not commit any crime, but were standing up for women.
“We got information that this guy was brutally beating his girlfriend,” said one of the men.
Residents said they are living in fear, because of these men.
They said the men are arrogant and are taking over the Mandela Section.
Meanwhile, the Vukanini Taxi Association has stopped its drivers from transporting alleged illegal miners and none of them is allowed to catch any taxi.
Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, Chairman for Vukanini Taxi Association, said the association decided not to provide service to illegal miners and illegal immigrants after two of their drivers were shot dead by the alleged group.
“We are not supporters of crime.”
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, police spokesman, said one suspect was arrested on the day.
The suspect appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 21 August and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment or a R3 000 fine.
Capt Nkosi said the police are doing everything in their power to fight crime in the area and urged resident to work with the police.
“We are also concerned about the illegal firearms circulating in the Mandela Section.
“Many firearms recovered where found in the section.”
