Residents live in fear of zama zamas

A recent string of violent incidents linked to illegal miners (zama zamas) left Windmill Park residents gripped by fear.

Concerns escalated sharply after the reported discovery of 15 bodies in the nearby Lindelani informal settlement, believed to be the result of deadly clashes between rival zama zama factions.

Gunfire in the streets at night and stories of armed confrontations between groups left residents wary, prompting Clr Linda Yates, known as Palesa, from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), to take action.

She said she learnt about the situation from her contacts in Windmill Park and sought publicity to protect the residents who feel powerless against the violence.

“Residents have expressed their fears that this violence is not just a passing phase but a persistent threat to their safety.

“The underlying concern stems from the daily danger posed by stray bullets from zama zama gun battles, endangering bystanders and anyone travelling home after dark.”

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Yates said the area had turned into a hotspot for illegal mining, with zama zamas reportedly establishing makeshift camps near local estates.

“The proximity of these camps has created a ‘no-go’ zone, where residents fear that neither police vehicles nor ambulances will respond due to the perceived dangers posed by the zama zamas,” she said.

One Windmill Park resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her anxiety.

“We are too afraid to go to the police; it feels pointless. This vulnerability has become a harsh reality for many, with residents hesitant to report incidents for fear that nothing will come of it.

“Anyone unfamiliar with the area risks being attacked if they enter certain parts of Lindelani.”

She described the precarious living conditions, noting that many live in shacks with flimsy corrugated iron walls that offer little protection from stray bullets.

“We’re all terrified. At night, we hear gunshots, and in the morning, we see the aftermath of the violence.

“We don’t feel safe, even in our own homes. It feels as if we are trapped on a battlefield with no way out.”

Bianca Zambetti, the chairperson of the Dawn Park CPF, addressed the recent wave of zama zama violence, saying that while it has diminished, the CPF has worked with the SAPS to enhance safety and response efforts.

“We now meet monthly with the police to directly report community concerns and identify hotspots.

“Since the change in management, there has been a noticeable improvement in police visibility and response times.”

Zambetti added that the CPF plans more community engagements, including imbizos and meetings to encourage residents to report safety issues anonymously through the CPF, the My SAPS app or Crime Stop.

The Boksburg Advertiser requested comment from the Dawn Park SAPS and was referred to the Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, who has yet to respond.

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