Calls for SANDF intervention in Bekkersdal amid claims of police complicity with illegal miners

Residents in Bekkersdal are accusing local police of being in cahoots with illegal miners operating in the area, claiming this alleged corruption is the primary driver behind a surge in violent crime.

The allegations follow a horrific shooting on Sunday, where nine people were killed and ten others injured after gunmen opened fire at a local tavern.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one resident stated they believe illegal miners are behind the attack. They expressed a deep lack of faith in the South African Police Service (SAPS), suggesting that officers are financially incentivised to ignore criminal activity.

"We all know that the police fade with time without notifying the community," the resident said.

"This is going to be a futile exercise if they do not follow the right information. But given what we know, even if they have the right information, they will not [act] because they are beneficiaries to these people."

Frustrated by what they perceive as the police defending criminals rather than citizens, residents are now calling for the South AfricanNational Defence Force (SANDF) to be deployed to the area to restore order.

"Right now, we have had enough," a resident added. "Every time we stand up, the police defend these people."

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