Mixed emotions as Sporong residents return amid heavy police presence

There are mixed feelings from residents at the Sporong informal settlement in Johannesburg, who have finally returned to their homes after being driven away by illegal miners, known as zama zamas.

For two weeks, more than 600 people took refuge at the Randgate community hall. However, the majority have since returned to their homes following a heavy deployment of police in the area.

A week ago, the Sporong informal settlement was almost completely deserted. On Friday, signs of life have started to slowly creep back into the community, with children playing football in the open fields and several spaza shops reopening their doors.

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Resident Sphiwe Khambula said it is good to be back.

“I would be lying if I said there have been attacks by zama zamas since we got back. We are still safe. Yes, sometimes we can hear gunshots, but they are far away unlike before.”

Meanwhile, Boitumelo Motlhajwa said that while there have been no attacks since she returned, she still does not feel safe.

“I’m not happy to be back here. Our safety is not guaranteed," Motlhajwa said. "The police don’t patrol the whole area and we don’t know how long they are going to stay.”

Some residents have questioned how long this police presence will remain in place. However, a recent statement by Police Minister Firoz Cachalia indicates that this is a permanent deployment.