Hundreds of residents have fled their homes in the Sporong informal settlement near Randfontein, South Africa, due to relentless violence and intimidation linked to illegal mining activities. The once bustling community is now deserted, with only a few residents opting to stay behind.
The situation has been described as “very very hectic” by Julian Mameng, one of the residents who has sought refuge in a local community hall. Mameng stated that the illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas, are responsible for the violence, shooting at residents, killing people, raping children, and stealing their belongings. Resident Miami Chauke, who has a bullet lodged in his leg, corroborated these claims, saying “We really don’t know what they are looking for. There’s no money, but they still shoot at us, they take even the little that we have.”
The Zama Zamas are allegedly after the gold they believe lies beneath the residents’ homes. Mameng explained that “the zama zamas say our place is rich in gold, we are staying on top of money, and that is why they are killing us, using the gun to scare us away.” The residents are now seeking safety in a local community hall, refusing to return home until officials guarantee their security.
The South African police have vowed to step up operations to flush out the illegal miners. Local leaders have called for the deployment of the army to address the situation. The South African Human Rights Commission has noted that the Sporong situation reflects a broader pattern of violence and intimidation experienced by many mining-affected communities.
The issue of illegal mining is not new in South Africa, with the government launching a nationwide crackdown on the activity two years ago. The clandestine artisanal miners, many of whom are from neighboring countries, have become a persistent presence in the shantytowns surrounding Johannesburg and its satellite settlements. Driven by poverty and unemployment, they dig for gold in abandoned or newly dug shafts.
The situation in Sporong highlights the need for urgent action to address the issue of illegal mining and its associated violence. The government’s efforts to crack down on the activity have been ongoing, but the situation on the ground remains dire. As the residents of Sporong await a resolution, they continue to live in fear of the Zama Zamas, and the violence they bring. The significance of this issue extends beyond Sporong, with the South African Human Rights Commission emphasizing the need for a broader solution to protect the rights and safety of mining-affected communities across the country.
