POLICE were passing by on their way to attend another complaint on Saturday, 1 March when the zama zamas thought they were targeting them.
The illegal miners opened fire on the police, but the officers were fortunate to escape unharmed, though the police van was hit twice.
This incident drew attention to the illegal activities. Police investigated and were tipped off about an illegal mining "factory" in Chris Hani squatter camp, Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, which appeared to have been operating for months. Police regrouped and called in EMPD and private security.
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This weekend, police were all over the area. The illegal miners fled, leaving their "factory" for police to dismantle. However, the zama zamas feel the police action has destroyed their livelihood.
"There are no jobs, and this is our only means of survival. We wish police could understand how hard it is when you are not working," said one angry illegal miner.
Captain Nelda Sekgobela, spokeswoman for Ekurhuleni district police, confirmed that equipment used by illegal miners was confiscated by police.
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