A devastating incident occurred during Operation Vala Umgodi, a joint raid by South African authorities on an informal mine in Ekurhuleni.
Tinashe Masedze, a 24-year-old informal miner, lost his life in the chaos.
Witnesses describe a scene of panic as dozens of miners fled for their lives, with some hiding in nearby bushes, mine dumping areas, and a nearby river.
According to reports, an SANDF officer allegedly set fire to the reeds using petrol, trapping those who had hidden there.
While some were rescued, Masedze was found de@d, and others remain missing.
The community is outraged, claiming the raid targeted vulnerable individuals who rely on informal mining to survive.
The authorities have released a statement claiming the fire was set by an unknown person, but witnesses dispute this account.
The incident has sparked anger and concern among the community, who demand justice for Masedze and support for those affected by the raid.
