RESIDENTS say it's business as usual for illegal miners.
They say this is despite police raids on illegal mining by police.
They are appealing to the government to bring the army.
Residents say these illegal miners, mostly, Basotho, fight amongst themselves in the squatter camp.
Every night, there are gunshots, and we must hide ourselves. This is not life," said a resident.
"Everyone fears this Basotho gang. We think that the army being posted here will help quell this situation. They open fire every night, whether you are inside your house or not. Nobody is feeling safe," said another resident.
"We are not free in our own country. This is sad, they said.
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Residents refused to give their names for fear of being targeted.
Captain Nelda Sekgobela, spokeswoman for Ekurhuleni District, urged communities to work with them in reporting any act of criminality.
"We are working around the clock to eradicate illegal mining. But we realised after we left, zama zamas went back to open the sealed mines," Sekgobela said.
During raids, police confiscate phendukas, generators and a lot more, but these illegal miners always find their way back.
"Today, their equipment was taken by police, but tomorrow, they are back in business.
"It starts to sound that they are undermining our authorities because they are armed to teeth, and so what will our police do to them when they are only armed with small guns," said residents.
