THE residents of Angelo squatter camp in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni are happy with the police visibility in their kasi.
They said the high police visibility will help eradicate zama zamas and increase their safety.
Residents said the illegal miners often fight among themselves and put their lives in danger when bullets fly.
"We're happy that the police are coming here, and this should happen more often. They must not give these illegal mining activities a chance," said one resident.
The most shocking incident was when women and children died in July 2023 because gas leaked from a cylinder that was being cut up by illegal miners to be used as a penduka.
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About 18 people died in the gas leak. The cylinder was bought by an illegal miner from a person who was selling it. It turned out that the cylinder contained toxic fumigant, which is used for pest control. It is this chemical that led to deaths after the victims inhaled it.
On Thursday, 14 December Operation Shanela visited the squatter camp.
The operation was led by the acting Gauteng police commissioner Major-General Tommy Mthombeni.
The aim was to increase police visibility at the squatter camp as one of the safety measures for the festive season.
The police stumbled upon various zama zamas hotspots and confiscated gas cylinders, pendukas and other equipment that they use for their illegal activities.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said more than 100 suspects, including illegal miners, were arrested. Police were also out in full force at the squatter camp conducting random searches of people and taverns.
