Joburg's Riverlea residents accuse cops of turning a blind eye to crime

JOHANNESBURG - Riverlea community members in the south of Joburg have made strong allegations against police, claiming they only respond to illegal mining matters at the notorious Zamimpilo informal settlement.

The community is complaining about poor police visibility in the area plagued by violent crimes.

The allegations come after a 59-year-old man who was coming back from work was killed on Tuesday night after getting caught in the crossfire during a shootout between police and armed criminals.

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Ward councillor Msimelelo Lobi says police have attributed their limited visibility in the area to perceived danger.

“You've heard the community there - the community are saying police are coming in and out of Zamimpilo not because of the crime is being reported, but they are collecting.”

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said they would look into the allegations.

“What we are appealing to the members of the community that they also need to come fourth and help us. If they see a police car is in this area, and they suspect that it is there to commit criminal activity or what is against the law, they must just take the number plate of that car.”