Sporong residents find hope as police combat illegal mining violence
A strong police presence has resulted in peace and hope among the residents of Sporong informal settlement near Randfontein.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers
Residents of Sporong informal settlement have returned to their homes under heavy police protection after fleeing harassment from illegal miners two weeks ago. Community leaders have since expressed gratitude for the new police presence, including a mobile police station, which has brought stability to the crime-plagued area.
Last week, the chaos prompted many residents to seek refuge at the Randgate Community Hall in Randfontein, over 20 kilometres from their homes. However, following an intervention from the provincial police and Premier Panyaza Lesufi, the residents have begun to venture back, reassured by the heavy police presence that now adorns the streets of this informal settlement on the Westrand, which has long been plagued by crime and other service delivery challenges.
More than 600 families, primarily consisting of women and children, have found themselves displaced in Randfontein, grappling with the aftermath of escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities that have gripped the area. More than 600 families, primarily consisting of women and children, have found themselves displaced in Randfontein, grappling with the aftermath of escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities that have gripped the area.
Image: Social Media
It was reported that over the past two weeks, at least 600 people from this settlement had been sleeping at the Randgate community hall, prompting a province wide outcry and intervention by the provincial government.
On Tuesday, community leader Elsie Mokobane expressed her gratitude for the strengthened presence of law enforcement since their return home last week.
“We are grateful for the police presence in our area. There is peace now since our return from Randgate Community Hall. We even have a mobile police station, which has made things easier for the community. We are hopeful the situation will remain calm and that the continued police presence will protect us from the illegal miners who gave us a terrible time during the festive season,” she stated.
Abongile Simnikile opened her heart to the struggles faced by her community in Randfontein, where the pervasive threat of illegal miners recently unleashed fear and horror.
“I am glad that my husband was not killed after he was robbed of his R500 by the illegal miners, who forced everyone at the local shebeen to give up their phones and other valuables,” she recounted, the trauma still vivid in her voice.
Simnikile is among many residents grappling with the harsh reality of life in an environment rife with armed conflict and intimidation after her husband almost paid the price last month. “Luckily, on that day, they didn’t shoot at anyone or injure anyone. You can replace money, but not one life,” she reflected.
Reports revealed that over recent weeks, residents were forced to endure a barrage of gunfire, inducing constant fear that made even stepping out of their homes a risk. However, since their return, residents have acknowledged a slight improvement in safety due to increased police presence, which has offered a glimmer of hope amidst persistent turmoil.
“We do not know how long this peace and tranquility is going to last and if the police will be here with us in three months, but things have really improved since last week,” said Mputle Matlawe.
Residents of Sporong informal settlement remain hopeful that their living conditions and human settlement challenges are going to be resolved soon.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers
As the situation escalated last week, Mikateko Mahlaule, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources, condemned the violent grip illegal miners hold over the community.
His strong condemnation of the growing humanitarian crisis saw Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, alongside his MECs, visit the affected residents last week.
During this visit, Lesufi promised decisive action to offer relief, with plans to relocate some displaced individuals to designated areas to rebuild their shacks, enhanced police patrols, and a targeted operation against illegal miners already underway.
“The visit of the Premier and other officials is bearing fruit. As we speak, some of the affected residents have already been allocated new homes in parts of Montroos. We hope that soon enough, more people will be relocated to already-identified settlements,” said Mokobane.