CHOAS erupts as houses got up in flames.
Tensions over illegal mining activities boiled over in Atok near Burgersfort, Limpopo, after a violent clash involving locals and foreign nationals allegedly left houses and a vehicle torched.
The violence followed the alleged shooting of a Zimbabwean national (22) during an altercation at an illegal chrome mining site on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
The houses were torched on Monday, 15 June 2026.
Shooting sparks violence
According to police, the victim and his brother were allegedly mining chrome when they were confronted by three men who reportedly demanded money in exchange for allowing them to continue operating.
Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said: "When they failed to comply, an altercation ensued during which the victim sustained serious gunshot injuries."
Residents claimed that the shooting sparked clashes, with relatives and friends of the injured miner allegedly damaging properties belonging to local residents.
ALSO READ | Malema: Dube was assassinatedOpens in new window
Homes and vehicle torched
In one incident, a 33-year-old man from Bogalatladi reported that a group of people vandalised his parental home, looted household items and set the house and a white VW Polo alight.
The damage is estimated at about R137 000.
An 84-year-old gogo from Mohlahlaneng Village also reported that suspects stormed her yard looking for her son.
They allegedly damaged property, removed household items from his room and set them on fire, causing damages estimated at R60 000.
Videos circulating on social media show houses engulfed in flames while residents can be heard accusing foreign nationals of torching the properties and demanding that they leave the area.
Suspect arrested
Police confirmed that a 46-year-old suspect has been arrested.
"During the operation, members recovered an unlicenced firearm, a magazine and live ammunition. The firearm is believed to have been used in the attempted murder," said Ledwaba.
The suspect has been charged with attempted murder as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He appeared before the Sekhukhune Magistrates Court on Monday, 15 June 2026.
