Sixteen (16) shot while scavenging at dumpsite

BUFFELSDRAAI – Sixteen people (16) were shot while scavenging for food, plastic, cardboard and scrap metal in Buffelsdraai. Reaction Unit South Africa responded to a call from Paramedics from Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) requesting assistance to transport the injured from Redcliffe Clinic to Osindisweni Government Hospital.

RUSA Members were immediately dispatched and on arrival were informed that two (2) people were already transported to hospital. fourteen (14) remained at the clinic. Several victims informed Reaction Officers that they were scavenging for food and recyclable goods at the Buffeldraai Landfill Site when Security Officers opened fire on them with rubber bullets before changing to live shot gun and 9mm ammunition. This version could not be immediately confirmed by Reaction Officers.

Information received that the scavengers were hampering operations at the landfill site. Reaction Officers were previously called out to assist after scavengers blocked trucks from entering designated dumping grounds forcing drivers to drop their loads at the entrance. Scavengers would also allegedly climb onto the trucks and remove garbage while the vehicle was in motion. One person was killed after he fell from a truck. Drivers were also held at gun point at the entrance and forced to empty their vehicles on several occasions. The injured were expedited to hospital by various ambulance services. Investigations are continuing.