EVANDER – Security guards narrowly escaped after they were attacked by Zama-Zamas in Evander.
The security guards who were guarding the Eskom substation in Evander next to the Evander Gold Mine shaft 8, said they feared for their lives following the attack on Friday, 5 April.
The guards said they were working night shift when a group of armed men stormed into the guard house and instructed them to lie down.
They alleged that the mob tied them with cables and took them to a nearby field were they were assaulted.
The Zama-Zamas allegedly left them there and returned to the substation.
According to one of the victims, one guard managed to tear the cable ties and helped the other. Both escaped to seek help.
“I thought I am dying, because these guys were so violent and brutal.
“They pointed fire arms at us and told us not to disturb them. They took our personal cell phones and the company’s cell phone.
“Thank God we managed to escape. I am still thinking what could have happened to me.”
The guards said they were traumatised by the incident, but what frustrated them the most, was that the company they work for, does not seem to care.
They alleged that they reported the incident to their bosses, but nothing has been done so far.
They said they reported the matter to Eskom as well, but also no action has been taken.
“I wish they can take this matter seriously because we do not want to lose our jobs, but at the same time we don’t want to die and leave our loved ones.
“We have even gone to the Secunda Cluster Commander, Brig Sifiso Cele, to ask that police conduct patrols in the area.
“He acknowledged that Zama-Zamas are a big problem in the area and promised that the police will assist in any way possible.”
The guards said the Zama-Zamas target cables and if they want anything, they do not allow anything or anyone to cross their path.
At the time of going to the press Eskom and the security company had not commented.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/117359/113-illegal-miners-arrested-connection-illegal-gold-mining-evander/
