Zimbabwe, Lesotho nationals in turf war in SA

Zim Now Writer

Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for suspects who shot and killed four people at an unlicensed tavern in Jerusalem informal settlement, Florida, west of Johannesburg.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident were not clear at this stage, although residents who spoke to eNCA said the Sunday shooting was a result of rival groups fighting over territory in the illegal mining trade.

It is believed the shooters are Lesotho nationals who are fighting with Zimbabweans.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects came into the shebeen, they started shooting randomly and then fled. One of the deceased is alleged to be the owner of the unlicensed liquor outlet where the incident took place," said Muridili.

Muridili said police had mobilised maximum resources to trace suspects responsible for the shooting incident.

According to residents, this is not an isolated incident as there have reportedly been several shootings in the area.

“We are always calling police to attend these crime scenes. This is not the first time, I believe this is the fourth or fifth incident,” a resident said.