Tuesday was a day of good, bad and ugly at the former Makhulugama informal settlement in West Village.
During an operation at the Krugersdorp Old Gold Mine in West Village, the police arrested about 30 suspects for illegal mining. Four of them were in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
They recovered an R5 rifle, an R1 rifle, a shotgun and a pistol. They also retrieved explosives and ammunition.
Read more here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/386526/cops-bring-makhulugama-to-its-knees/
According to a police statement, the area is well-known for housing a gang of illegal miners who terrorise the community during the night and hide at the old mine.
But even with the good news of arrests being made, it seems that it is not making the difference that is needed.
In August, the police and the Red Ants raided the informal settlement, breaking down shacks and searching residents.
During that operation they arrested a number of people for illegal mining, recovered loads of gold-bearing material and even found dangerous weapons.
It is believed that the illegal miners (zama-zamas) had been living in the settlement with the residents, terrorising the community and taking part in various crimes. There were shootouts between them and the police, and three women’s mutilated bodies were found.
Residents told the News they were afraid for their lives and those of their families, especially their children walking to and from school everyday. The illegal miners would attack the children and steal their school bags.
When the settlement was destroyed, it seemed that West Village and its residents were finally safe. But this was far from the truth.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/386208/avoid-r28-toward-randfontein-due-zama-zama-violence/
Hundreds of people’s homes were destroyed that day, leaving them homeless and on the streets. The local shelters were filled to the brim and the community was left to take these residents in and look after them. Most of them are still struggling after losing everything.
While these residents suffer, the operation allegedly just created more space for the zama-zamas to mine, and residents of West Village say that the illegal miners now mine openly, some even operating during daytime.
One resident claimed that the illegal miners have started their own mining operation, complete with backhoes and four tipper-trucks.
The latest incident occurred after the police left on Tuesday …
It is alleged that zama-zamas broke into the offices of the West Rand Cons Mines at the railway station at West Village on Tuesday night. They allegedly broke the doors down and not only cleaned out the offices but also took parts of the roof and all the taps.
The News has contacted the Krugersdorp Police requesting more information about the break-in, and will report again once it is received.
