TWO weeks ago zama zamas burnt shacks belonging to squatters, forcing them out of the land they said was their mining territory.
Close to 20 families found themselves homeless.
However, on Thursday, 9 October, they got a taste of their own medicine.
A joint operation by EMPD, SAPS and private security pounced on them at Plastic City, Brakpan in Ekurhuleni, leading to the arrest of five undocumented zama zamas and the seizure of illegal mining equipment.
Community Safety MMC Sizakele Masuku was also present, emphasising the city's commitment to law enforcement.
The primary objective of the day was the demolition of illegal structures within Plastic City, but during the course of this action, officers made a key discovery inside one of the abandoned structures - a cache of equipment used for illegal mining.
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The confiscated items included gas cylinders, water pumps, various tools, and a portion of copper. All seized items were taken to the police station for official booking.
MMC Masuku reiterated the City of Ekurhuleni's firm stance against criminal activity, saying that the city is not a lawless place and that its residents must enjoy the benefits of feeling safe.
The five male suspects were arrested after failing to produce any legal documentation or passports.
They were charged under the Contravention of Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002) and are currently detained at the Brakpan Police Station.
This action highlights the ongoing battle against both illegal immigration and the pervasive problem of illegal mining in the region.
