RESIDENTS of Plastic City in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, have endured months of terror at the hands of zama zamas.
These illegal miners are reportedly trying to force locals out to take over land for their mining operations.
The zama zamas are accused of a campaign of violence, theft, and sexual assault against abahlali.
Despite the attacks, residents have refused to leave, as they have nowhere else to go.
The escalating situation reached crisis point on 12 September, when the illegal miners allegedly burned down residents' homes to "cement their presence".
Before the fire, residents say a group of armed men opened fire on them.
"They were heavily armed. We have some of our people who are in hospital after sustaining injuries from gunshots," said resident Zinhle Mpongose.
The attack has left approximately 20 families stranded in the open space, including pregnant women, babies as young as three weeks old, and sick kids suffering from exposure to the cold.
"We have been turned into beggars and yet we have been working for ourselves," said affected resident Zodwa Makhathini, highlighting the devastating loss of their livelihood and homes.
Most of the residents were waste recyclers before they lost their homes.
"I have lost all the things I have been accumulating over the years in the fire," lamented another resident, Tracy Swart.
Tracy was cleaning mobile toilets for a living.
An eight-month pregnant Zinhle Mpongose expressed deep distress, fearing she might give birth in the cold.
"I had a place where I hid my head with my daughter, and now, she's also sick because of the cold," she said
The displaced families are now relying on the generosity of passing motorists for donations of food and supplies.
Residents have stated they have not opened cases with the police due to fear of retaliation from the heavily armed zama zamas.
Furthermore, residents expressed disappointment and shock that Ekurhuleni Firefighters, who were called to the scene, allegedly did not extinguish the fire from the burning houses.
Ekurhuleni Fire spokesman Zweli Dlamini said firefighters did not act because they believed it was merely "rubbish burning".
