Johannesburg - Two people have died in Johannesburg South following deadly clashes with members of the Red Ants on Friday morning.
The clashes broke out during evictions of "Iand grabbers" near the Golden Highway in Lenasia south.
Scores of invaders were left homeless and injured as a result of the evictions.
Talking of the sudden evictions was community member Nonkululeko Mlotshwa, who said they were given no notice of the evictions.
"The only thing that happened was that traffic cops came here a week or two ago and told us not to erect so close to the highway but rather erect nearby."
"The next thing we know, the Red Ants arrived this morning and started shooting at passerbys, killing one person."
Nonkululeko Mlotshwa speaks of the illegal evictions in Lenasia South. Video: Khanyisile Ngcobo
An angry Mlotshwa questioned the motive for shooting innocent people and why the evictions were carried out without notice.
She also blasted the police for standing by while the Red Ants attacked community members.
"All we wanted was an eviction letter, we would've moved. Where's the letter,"? she questioned.
Adding to this was Sebenzile Mkhonto, ANC ward 120 executive member, who acknowledged that while those who'd been evicted had been invaders, they should have been notified of the pending eviction.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele confirmed the incident and the death of two people as a result.
"The Red Ants came to evict invaders here but before the police could arrive, there were clashes with residents.
"The Red Ants shot at the community members, killing one person. The second person was beaten to death."
Makhubele added that many more people were left seriously injured.
Police were on the scene monitoring the situation.