The fight against illegal mining gets momentum
Traffic has been brought to a standstill in parts of Rand West City as protesters against zama zamas show solidarity with residents of neighbouring communities.
Traffic was brought to a standstill on Monday morning August 8 after residents from across Rand West City had shut down numerous entrances and exit points in parts of town, specifically Main Road in Finsbury and the R28 towards Mohlakeng. The protests are about illegal mining activity and illegal miners on the West Rand.
The community also wished to show solidarity with residents from neighbouring communities such as Kagiso and West Village, which have been dubbed hotspots for illegal mining on the West Rand.
Also read: Bekkersdal joins protests against zama zamas
Kocksoord resident Masechaba Motsa said they were shutting down all entrances to ensure that they close in on the illegal miners.
We are gathered here for one purpose only, and that is to eradicate illegal mining on the West Rand.
“We’ve seen that they are conducting illegal mining in Krugersdorp and other parts of the West Rand, and it’s only a matter of time before they come into our communities. We don’t want that,” said Motsa who added that they were closing all the possible holes that zama zamas might use to enter their spaces.
Late last month more than 80 illegal miners were arrested in West Village following the rape and robbery of eight women – an incident that sparked a massive outcry across the country.
