Business owners renting premises from Osizweni Development Centre near Evander, are very concerned about Zama-Zamas mining illegally for gold.
Lounics International (Pty) Ltd is one of the affected companies.
Mr Herman Marx, general manager, said the Zama-Zamas pose a serious threat.
He said about 100 to 200 people mine illegally in the area daily.
Mr Marx said they have made several attempts to find help from the police, but without luck.
Sgt Sibusiso Mbuli said they have arrested many illegal miners who were operating in the area since last week.
Mr Velaphi Gumbi, Osizweni’s general manager, said illegal miners have taken on an aggressive war-like approach, demanding they are allowed to take the soil.
“Business owners are naturally terrified and concerned and property and stock are being damaged in the process.”
Read the full story in this week’s Echo.
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