The eThekwini mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, is expected to meet with the community of Buffelsdraai on Wednesday, 19 July, following the vandalism and looting of the landfill offices that took place over the weekend, allegedly in response to a mass shooting incident that occurred at the site during the week.
The dump site was forced to close on Wednesday, 12 July, after 17 people were shot and wounded during an alleged confrontation between the security guards and the people who were searching for food and scrap at the Buffelsdraai landfill site. One man died at the scene, and eight people were taken in for questioning in connection to the murder and attempted murder charges filed at the Verulam police station.
The suspects appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court last week and were all released on R3000 bail each. The matter was adjourned until 10 October for further investigation.
The Tongaat and Verulam Tabloid established that following the release of the accused on bail, members of the public went on the rampage, vandalising and looting the Buffelsdraai landfill site offices. The dump site had recently been invaded and set alight leading to a confrontation between security guards and the alleged invaders.
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that 18 people were shot and injured at the landfill site on Wednesday afternoon. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “A 29-year-old man was shot dead at the scene and 17 victims were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.”
The police seized 11 firearms from the suspects and will be sent for ballistic testing. It’s alleged that the victims were chased and shot at by security guards while they were at the dumping site.
Head of Reaction Unit South Africa Prem Balram said RUSA officers responded to a call from paramedics from Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) requesting assistance to transport the injured from Redcliffe Clinic to Osindisweni Hospital. Balram said RUSA 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.
He alleged that the people who were scavenging for food would also climb onto the trucks and remove garbage while the vehicle was in motion. Following the incident and temporary closure of the landfill site, the municipality has urged residents to use the Illovo landfill site to dispose of general waste in the meantime. Residents are urged to contact the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit helpline at 031 311 8804 or email dsw@durban.gov.za.
