Key Takeaways
- Over 400 families were forced to flee their homes in the Sporong informal settlement in Randfontein due to violence and extortion by zama-zamas (illegal miners)
- The families are currently living in a community hall with cramped and unhygienic conditions, sharing only two toilets
- Residents reported being terrorized by zama-zamas, who would invade their homes, assault them, and demand cash
- The families are seeking help from the government and police, but so far, no solution has been found
- The community is awaiting feedback on when they will be allocated new homes
Introduction to the Crisis
Violence and extortion by zama-zamas have forced more than 400 families to flee their homes in the Sporong informal settlement in Randfontein, leaving them to live in a community hall under cramped and unhygienic conditions. The families, who were terrorized by the illegal miners, have been living in the hall for 13 days, sharing only two toilets and struggling to access basic necessities like food and privacy. The situation is dire, with residents reporting that they had no choice but to flee their homes due to the constant threats and violence from the zama-zamas.
Life in the Community Hall
The community hall, where the families are currently living, is not equipped to accommodate such a large number of people. The conditions are cramped, with women and men sitting among folded blankets, and some residents preparing food in the kitchen. Johanna Bergman, a 40-year-old mother of six, including seven-week-old twins, said that living in the hall is not a good experience, but at least they are safe from the zama-zamas. However, she noted that there is not enough food, and the conditions are not hygienic. Bergman, who has lived in Sporong since 2017, said that things changed last year when residents began to be terrorized by illegal miners.
Terrorization by Zama-Zamas
Residents reported being terrorized by the zama-zamas, who would invade their homes, assault them, and demand cash. Esther Mhlongo, a 40-year-old resident, said that illegal miners stormed into her home and demanded money and cellphones. She reported that if you don’t have money, they take your child and force you to find the money, and if you don’t have cash, they demand you transfer it. Another resident, Elsie Mokobane, said that the zama-zamas have been harassing them, killing people, and sending others to the hospital. She reported that they shoot people in the streets and go into homes, especially targeting the elderly and stealing their social grants.
Seeking Help
The families have sought help from the government and police, but so far, no solution has been found. They have submitted their names to human settlement department officials, who went to assess the situation in Sporong, and are awaiting feedback on when they will be allocated new homes. The defence force has said it would patrol areas affected by zama-zamas, but so far, the police have not yet requested their assistance. Ward councillor Alfred Thenjekwayo was not available for comment, and Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo did not respond to requests for comment.
The Current Situation
When Sowetan visited Sporong, many of the homes were empty, and a few people who were there said they were not willing to leave their homes and belongings. The community is still living in fear, and the situation remains unresolved. The families are calling for help and protection from the government and police, and are awaiting a solution to their plight. The situation is a stark reminder of the need for effective governance and law enforcement to protect vulnerable communities from violence and extortion.