Daughter of Riverlea Shooting Victim Recounts Tragic Discovery Amid Police Shootout.
The and of a man killed during a shootout between police and suspected criminals at the Zamimpilo informal settlement in Riverlea is demanding answers after discovering her father’s body in an open field near their home.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night, 3 June 2025, when Gauteng police attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle in the area. According to the police, the occupants of a Toyota bakkie failed to comply with orders to stop, resulting in a high-speed chase that ended in a deadly shootout within the densely populated informal settlement.
The victim, a man in his 50s whose identity has not been officially released by authorities, was caught in the crossfire while reportedly walking home from his night job. His daughter, Ronnel Lottering, confirmed that he had finished a casual shift, or “piece job,” and was simply making his way back to the family home when the shooting erupted.
Daughter Finds Father’s Lifeless Body in Nearby Field
Speaking to reporters with visible grief, Ronnel Lottering, ta lot of lottering added that her father’s death has left a deep void in the family, especially for his three grandchildren. “He’ll be missed by his grandchildren, my mom, my brother, and all of us,” she said through tears.
According to Gauteng Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, officers were conducting routine patrols when they encountered a suspicious vehicle with three male occupants. The driver reportedly refused to stop, prompting officers to give chase. The suspects led the police into the Zamimpilo informal settlement, where an exchange of gunfire occurred.
Residents of the Riverlea and Zamimpilo areas expressed shock and outrage at the circumstances that led to the innocent man’s death. Several community members have called on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident.
Local leaders are urging the police to ensure,
“We understand the need for strong policing in high-crime areas, but there must be a balance,” said one community organizer. “An innocent man has lost his life. His daughter is now grieving, and so is the rest of his family. This cannot be allowed to happen again.”
For Ronnel Lottering, the grief of losing her father is compounded by the suddenness and violence of his death. The daughter and
In response to growing tension in the area, police officials have urged residents to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed. They promised that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will be engaged to assess whether police conduct during the operation was lawful and appropriate.
“Our officers are trained to uphold the law while preserving lives,” said Masondo. “We take any loss of innocent life seriously and will work with relevant agencies to determine exactly what happened.”
As the daughter and family of the Riverlea shooting victim mourn their tragic loss, the incident highlights the complex challenges police face in balancing crime prevention with community safety. While efforts to apprehend dangerous suspects must continue, the public and affected families are calling for more accountability and transparency—especially when innocent lives are caught in the crossfire.
Source- EWN
