FOR months, residents had been complaining of zama zama wars making their lives difficult.
And yesterday, the cops finally paid a surprise visit to the mine in Krugersdorp, Mogale City, where the illegal miners were hiding out.
They found clothes, wallets and coins belonging to robbery victims – and food.
When the police arrived early in the morning, more than 40 zama zamas were lying in the sun.
Some started shooting at the cops, while others ran into mine shafts.
Captain Kay Makhubele said: “Illegal mining gave birth to other crimes that have left many dead.
“These miners kill each other for gold dust and start tribal wars.”
A resident said they were living in fear. “These people come out of their holes at night covered in dust and rob us. They have big guns and we don’t even know where they get them from.
“As soon as they’re done, they creep back into their holes like insects.”
One woman said her husband was once robbed on his way home and taken to the mining site. “I’d never seen him that terrified. He was beaten because he didn’t have enough money and they wanted to teach him a lesson.
“They took his clothes and shoes and he came back in his underwear. We don’t trust dusty looking people.”
Makhubele said four suspects were bust and three unlicensed firearms were seized.
