The community blocked entrances and exit routes in the township as part of their protest over the failure of the government to close disused mines. eNCA has reported that one person died during the community’s violent protest against illegal mining and crime in the West Rand area. Mogale City Mayor, Tyrone Gray, confirmed to eNCA that one person had died and police were investigating the death. “There was a casualty and somebody lost their life. I cannot confirm whether it is a zama- zama (illegal miner) or not."

According to The Citizen, this follows the gang rape and robbery of eight women, who were part of a production crew, shooting a music video at a mine dump in West Village last week. Police suspect that the women were raped by a gang of armed zama-zamas (illegal miners).

Kagiso residents have vowed to clamp down on illegal mining in their community and surrounding areas, which they say is a source of rampant crime on the West Rand.

A community leader and councillor in Mogale City, Nyakalo Segapelo, told Newzroom Afrika that residents want the government to deploy the army to deal with illegal mining and are demanding the closure of old mine shafts.

“We’ve been complaining since 2017 about these illegal miners and we want law enforcement and the local authorities to come and intervene to ensure these people leave our community because they’re terrorising us,” he said.

Segapelo said they were several mine shafts in the area and the community would close them on their own if the government doesn’t take action.

“We know that these people are armed and we’re not doing this on our own as the community. The police are on board and we also spoke to the station commander to assist us.”

Suspects appear in court

Meanwhile, 80 suspects arrested in the wake of the gang rape and robbery of eight women in West Village appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

The 80 men were arrested in a police sweep at the scene of the alleged rape, but were not charged with rape.

The men, who were represented by Legal Aid, faced charges which included illegal mining, contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, unlawful use of explosives and firearms, and possible attempted murder.

They are expected to return to court again on 10 August 2022, for their bail hearing.

The Citizen/Thapelo Lekabe