MANY people were killed in the fight between illegal miners at Makause squatter camp in Germiston, Ekurhuleni.
And the residents believe that these innocent souls are now turning in their graves to punish zama zamas.
Since the beginning of this week, police have been raiding illegal mining areas, arresting them and confiscating their equipment.
Residents said they were relieved that the police were finally cracking down on the nightmare of zama zamas in squatter camps and are hopeful this will finally bring peace to their kasi.
They said when the illegal miners fight, they are also affected.
A resident, Fanuel Sithole said: "We have a number of people who have died after being caught in crossfire in the squatter camp."
Another resident, Temogo Metsing said: "The worst was in 2021 when over seven innocent people were killed after being caught in the crossfire."
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The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department's specialised unit joined by the police, the Gauteng crime prevention wardens and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), are conducting an illegal mining operation and confiscating various illegal mining tools in Makause and surrounding areas.
During the operation, Lieutenant-Colonel Kelebogile Thepa discovered 14 phendukas, seven hammer crushers, four pot crushers, a wheelbarrow, a generator, seven municipal dustbins, five spades and shovels, three cooking pots, a 20-litre bucket full of grinding balls, three 2-litre bottles of vinegar and 58 units of various alcoholic beverages in an abandoned shack used by the illegal miners.
"All the items seized were confiscated and handed over to the Primrose Police Station for safekeeping"
Thepa said police are targeting suspected hotspots known to harbour illegal miners.
"Police have raided several homes in Makause squatter camp for any illegal mining supplies."
She said many of the illegal miners fled when they saw the police coming.
"This is an ongoing operation across the City of Ekurhuleni to ensure that the illegal miners stop their undertakings and are brought to book," she said.
