Mapaballo Borotho

- More police members have been deployed in Sporong following unrest caused by illegal miners.
- Hundreds of residents were left homeless after being attacked and forced out of their homes last week.
- Police say stability appears to have been restored, with residents now returning home.
Additional police officers have been deployed at the Sporong informal settlement in Randfontein following unrest caused by the zama zamas.
The deployment is part of the South African Police Service (SAPS) short-term measures to ensure the safety of residents who were previously threatened to flee their homes.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, Kamogelo Mogotsi, says as part of longer-term interventions, nyalas and SAPS members will now be deployed permanently.
“In recognition of the community’s vulnerability, night patrols will also be conducted by SAPS members in collaboration with local community patrollers,” said Mogotsi.
Last week, hundreds of residents found themselves homeless after they were attacked, threatened and kicked out of their homes by illegal miners in the area.
They were forced to find shelter at a nearby community hall.
However, this week, stability appears to have been restored in the area, with residents now feeling safe enough to return to their homes.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is also considering the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Rand West City Local Municipality Mayor William Matsheke says they have submitted a supplementary request after a group of dangerous illegal miners attacked Sporong residents.
He says the first request was made last month after 12 people were allegedly shot and killed by the so-called zama zamas.
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