Nancefield Hostel raid
18th September 2009, the Bus Rapid Transport system launched in Johannesburg, to improve public transport ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. 2 days later, gunmen fired at 2 buses in separate incidents, injuring two passengers.
These attacks, believed to have been orchestrated by local mini-bus taxi drivers opposed to the new transport system, led local authorities to Nancefield Hostel, the notorious ex-mining hostel in Soweto.
Just after midnight on 20th September, a contingent of 250 personnel from the South African Police Service and National Defence Force launched a raid on the hostel. Surrounding the area, security forces moved in the dark between rows of adjoined dwellings armed with high calibre rifles, searching every room and person they found. During the six hour operation police made six arrests.
Woken up and taken to a central room in their house, Nancefield Hostel residents watch as South African Police and National Defense Force personnel raid their home in Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
South African Police and National Defence Force personnel interact with a man on the ground during a raid at Nancefield Hostel in Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
South African Police and National Defence Force personnel raid their homes at Nancefield Hostel. Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
A South African National Defence Force soldier guards a group of police officers during the raid of Nancefield Hostel, mostly inhabited by mini bus taxi drivers. Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
Wrapped in a towel a Nancefield Hostel resident watches as South African Police and National Defence Force personnel go door to door as they continue their raid. Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
Residents watch as South African Police and National Defence Force personnel raid their homes at Nancefield Hostel. Soweto, South Africa, September 2009
South African Police and National Defence Force personnel search for gunmen who fired on two buses injuring two commuters. Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
South African Police and National Defence Force personnel raid Nancefield Hostel searching for gunmen who fired on two buses in Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
Woken up and taken to a central room in their house, Nancefield Hostel residents watch as South African Police and National Defence Force personnel raid the notorious ex mining hostel, largely inhabited by mini bus taxi drivers. Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
Residents watch as South African Police and National Defence Force personnel raid their homes at Nancefield Hostel in Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
Made to lie on the floor Nancefield Hostel residents assist South African Police and National Defence Force personnel as they raid a notorious ex mining hostel, largely inhabited by mini bus taxi drivers in Soweto, South Africa, September 2009.
South African Police and National Defence Force personnel conduct a raid at Nancefield Hostel in Soweto, September 2009.