Overnight operation nets 87 suspects following death of 9 zama-zamas in Roodepoort
The Provincial Commissioner directed that witnesses be taken to the witness protection programme for their safety.
A few hours after nine people were murdered in Matholeville, Roodepoort on Friday, the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng Lieutenant General Elias Mawela summoned police officers from different stations and units within the Johannesburg Ditrict and Provincial Office to hunt down the suspects and deal with all forms of criminality in Matholeville and the surrounding areas.
"During the night operation, police took in 87 people for questioning and to establish if they are not wanted for any crimes," says the police's Noxolo Kweza.
Om Friday, nine Lesotho nationals who were involved in illegal mining were stoned to death at Matholeville, allegedly by their fellow zama-zamas of Lesotho origin.
ALSO READ: Nine men stoned to death in Roodepoort
Kweza says the subsequent manhunt will continue until all the suspects linked to the murder are located and arrested."
Police are still appealing to anyone who might have witnessed these killings or have information that can help in the investigation to please call the nearest police station or crime stop on 08600 10111.
Information can be given anonymously.
The Provincial Commissioner directed that witnesses be taken to the witness protection programme for their safety.