SPORONG: Gauteng Police Intensify Operations After Illegal Miners Evict Randfontein Residents
Randfontein, South Africa – Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has given his word to the people of the Sporong informal settlement that law enforcement is ramping up efforts to bring back safety, following shocking claims that illegal miners forced more than 500 residents from their homes through violence and threats. This assurance, made amid growing fears in the community, comes as families seek refuge in a local hall, highlighting a crisis that has left women, children and entire households displaced and desperate for help.
The Escalating Terror from Zama-Zamas
The trouble in Sporong started about two weeks ago, with illegal miners – known as zama-zamas – stepping up their harassment of locals. Residents say these heavily armed groups began with small threats but quickly turned to outright violence, including shootings, extortion and demands for protection money. In one chilling account, miners fired at community members back in November, setting off a wave of fear that peaked with evictions.
More than 300 families, mostly women and children, fled their homes after facing threats of murder and child abduction. Some reports put the number at over 400 families or 500 people, turning the once-bustling settlement into a ghost town. Locals describe how the miners chased them out, taking over shacks and pushing South African citizens aside. Foreigners linked to the mining groups are said to be moving in, making it hard for original residents to return without facing more danger.
These zama-zamas operate underground in old gold mines, digging without permits and often clashing with communities. In Randfontein, an area rich in mining history, their actions have caused not just fear but real harm – from polluted water to lost livelihoods as people abandon their small businesses and gardens. Families left in a hurry, grabbing only what they could carry, leaving behind furniture, clothes and even pets. “We feel safer away from there, but the conditions here are tough,” one displaced mother shared, her voice full of worry for her children’s future.
Seeking Shelter in Cramped Conditions
The evicted families have found temporary safety in the Randgate Community Hall, but life there is far from easy. Over 300 people cram into the space, sleeping on the floor with little room to move. There are only two toilets – one for men and one for women – leading to long lines and poor hygiene. Privacy is gone, with people bathing and changing in front of others, which is especially hard for women and kids.
Food is short, and some go hungry as supplies run low. The air is stuffy, and litter builds up, raising fears of sickness spreading among those with health issues. “We can’t complain too much because at least we’re alive,” a resident said, but the cramped setup has turned into a health risk, with calls for better aid like blankets, meals and medical checks.
Community leaders and political groups have stepped in with some help, but many feel let down by slow responses. The hall, meant for gatherings, was not built for long-term living, and the strain shows in the tired faces of those inside. Some brave souls have started going back home, but most wait for real safety before returning.
Police Step Up with Intensified Operations
In response to the crisis, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has promised stronger police action. He assured residents that operations are being boosted to root out the illegal miners and restore peace. Law enforcement teams will work harder to investigate the evictions, break up the criminal groups and make sure families can go home without fear.
This comes after reports that residents tried reporting the threats to police but felt ignored or given the runaround. Now, with the spotlight on, officials say coordinated efforts – like Operation Vala Umgodi – will tackle the root causes. This multi-agency drive targets illegal mining across provinces, using raids, arrests and mine closures to cut off the syndicates.
Parliament has joined the call too. The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Committee condemned the violence in strong terms, urging quick steps to dismantle the networks and address the social issues that fuel such crimes. They back efforts to bring safety back, avoiding deeper divides in communities already hit by poverty and joblessness.
The Bigger Picture of Illegal Mining in Gauteng
Illegal mining has plagued Gauteng for years, with zama-zamas digging into old shafts for gold leftovers. In areas like Randfontein, these operations bring crime, pollution and unrest. Spills from mining poison water and soil, making farming hard and health risks high. Explosions and collapses have killed miners and locals alike, turning once-safe spots into danger zones.
Syndicates run these setups, often with ties to smuggling and extortion. They demand money from residents or take over homes, pushing people out as seen in Sporong. Foreign nationals are sometimes involved, adding to tensions and claims of unfair treatment. Communities feel caught in the middle, with police raids helping short-term but not stopping the problem for good.
Experts say fixing this needs more than arrests – better jobs, community talks and stronger borders to cut off tools and buyers for stolen gold. Without these, areas like Sporong will keep suffering, with families paying the price.
Hope for Return and Lasting Peace
As police intensify their work, residents hold onto hope for a safe return home. Some have gone back, but most wait for real changes. Community groups call for urgent aid like food and counselling at the hall, while pushing for long-term fixes to mining woes.
This crisis reminds everyone of the human cost of unchecked crime. With strong action and community help, Sporong can rebuild, letting families live without fear. Gauteng leaders promise to make it happen, turning words into steps that protect the vulnerable and restore peace. For now, the displaced hold tight, dreaming of the day they can go home for good.
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