Ekurhuleni
Brakpan – The City of Ekurhuleni has expressed its determination to preserve the fragile stability it has restored in Plastic City, an informal settlement in Brakpan that has long been a hotspot for illegal trading and underground mining activities. For over a decade, the area has been plagued by makeshift structures hiding entrances to defunct mine shafts used by zama zamas – illegal miners – and serving as homes for many undocumented foreign nationals. Recent violent clashes between rival zama zama groups prompted a series of eviction operations, with the city now focusing on maintaining order while addressing the root causes of the unrest.
The settlement, notorious for its lawlessness, has seen a surge in enforcement actions as authorities tackle the intertwined issues of illegal occupation, unregulated commerce, and criminal mining syndicates. Officials hope these efforts will prevent a return to the chaos that has gripped the area, including territorial wars and infrastructure damage that have endangered residents and disrupted local life.
The Troubled History of Plastic City
Plastic City, located near Brakpan on the East Rand, emerged as an informal settlement more than 10 years ago on land plagued by illegal mining. What started as a small cluster of shacks has grown into a sprawling zone of unregulated activity, with structures often concealing entrances to abandoned gold mine shafts. These holes are exploited by zama zamas, who engage in dangerous, illicit extraction of minerals, fuelling underground economies and violent turf battles.
The area has become a magnet for undocumented immigrants, many drawn by the promise of work in mining or informal trading. However, this has led to widespread unlawful commerce, with makeshift stalls and businesses operating without permits. The settlement’s proximity to major roads, like the Main Reef Road, has compounded problems, as mining activities have caused sinkholes and road collapses, leading to closures since November 2020. This has disrupted traffic and heightened safety risks for commuters and locals alike.
Over the years, Plastic City has been synonymous with crime, including extortion, hijackings, and clashes between armed groups vying for control of mining sites. The lack of basic services, combined with the hazardous environment, has made it a no-go zone for many, with residents living in constant fear.
Recent Violence Sparks City Intervention
Tensions boiled over in recent months, with violent confrontations between rival zama zama factions leaving the community in turmoil. In September 2025, armed men emerged from mine shafts, engaging in shootouts that terrorised residents. A fire over one weekend destroyed several structures, further escalating the crisis. These incidents followed days of unrest, with reports of territorial wars spilling onto the streets.
The City of Ekurhuleni responded with a major bylaw enforcement operation, targeting illegal structures along detour roads and within the settlement. Evictions have been carried out systematically, focusing on businesses operating without authorisation and shacks linked to mining activities. City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained the complexity: “We had to deal with informal traders who are actually illegal immigrants at the same time. There is a lot of mining operations that are taking place here. You find that there’s a shack and the shack inside is actually an entrance hall into the defunct mining shaft.”
These actions have included demolishing unauthorised buildings and removing obstacles from public spaces, aiming to curb the lawlessness that has allowed zama zamas to thrive. The operations have not been without controversy, as some evictees claim they were caught off guard, leading to further clashes
.
City’s Commitment to Long-Term Stability
In its latest update, the City of Ekurhuleni emphasised its hope to maintain the stability achieved through these interventions. Officials have vowed to continue evictions where necessary, targeting illegal trading zones and mining-linked structures. Dlamini highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent reoccupation and renewed violence.
The city has launched a multi-faceted approach, including increased police patrols and collaborations with national authorities to tackle zama zama syndicates. Efforts also include repairing damaged infrastructure, such as the Main Reef Road, which has been closed due to mining-induced hazards. The municipality has called on residents to report suspicious activities, aiming to foster community involvement in restoring order.
Despite these steps, challenges remain. The city acknowledges that evictions alone may not suffice without addressing underlying issues like poverty and unemployment that drive people to illegal mining. Plans for relocation and alternative housing for affected residents are under discussion, though details are yet to be finalised.
Community Impact and Calls for Relocation
The evictions have had a profound effect on Plastic City’s inhabitants, many of whom feel unsafe amid the ongoing crackdown. Residents have reported living in fear of both zama zama violence and enforcement actions, with some calling for urgent relocation to safer areas. “We can’t stay here anymore; the fighting and demolitions are too much,” one local told reporters.
Councillors and community leaders have slammed the slow response to the crisis, urging the city to prioritise humanitarian needs. The unrest has also impacted nearby areas, with road closures causing traffic chaos and economic losses for businesses. Advocacy groups have raised concerns over the treatment of undocumented nationals, calling for humane approaches during operations.
The settlement’s residents, estimated at several thousand, include families who have called the area home for years. Many rely on informal trading for survival, and the clampdown has disrupted livelihoods, leading to pleas for support and alternatives.
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