Tensions continue to simmer in Benoni following the demolition of structures at the Albert Luthuli informal settlement, where residents have accused the City of Ekurhuleni of leaving them homeless without prior notice.

Last week, frustrated residents staged a protest in retaliation to the demolitions of their homes, prompting authorities to warn motorists to remain cautious while travelling along the major roads, including the N12 in the area.

In response to the concerns raised by residents through the media, the City of Ekurhuleni issued a statement stating that the removals form part of an ongoing relocation programme linked to environmental and law enforcement concerns.

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The demolitions, which began last week and continued throughout the week, followed a large-scale multi-agency operation conducted in the area near the Putfontein off-ramp.

The operation has thus far resulted in the arrest of 116 suspected illegal miners, the demolition of dozens of illegally erected structures and the confiscation of various mining-related equipment.

Legitimate housing beneficiaries
According to the metro, the settlement is located on a wetland that has been declared unsuitable for human habitation. The city said it received a formal directive requiring the removal of the settlement from the site.

The city stated that alternative accommodation is being provided within a five-kilometre radius for legitimate beneficiaries who were originally relocated to the area by the municipality in 2014.

“In 2014, a large number of families were relocated to the area by the city. However, over time, the number of structures on the land increased to approximately 2 000 shacks,” the metro explained.

“To date, around 400 shacks have been demolished. Of the affected structures, 110 families have been confirmed as legitimate beneficiaries qualifying for alternative accommodation. The remaining structures were found to have been illegally rented out, sold, or occupied unlawfully.”

The city said door-to-door engagements are continuing to notify qualifying residents as the relocation process progresses.

Authorities added that unoccupied structures found to contain illegal mining equipment are being demolished immediately as part of ongoing law enforcement and public safety interventions.

Law enforcement agencies remain active in the area, with further arrests linked to illegal mining reportedly made during the operation.

The metro said it remains committed to ensuring lawful processes are followed while protecting environmentally sensitive land and intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining activities.

Background
The coordinated crackdown began early last week and involved multiple law enforcement and government agencies, including the EMPD, SAPS, SANDF, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, Home Affairs, Human Settlements and Disaster and Emergency Services.

During the operation, authorities arrested 116 suspected illegal miners, disconnected illegal electricity connections and demolished structures allegedly linked to illegal mining activities. Officials said some of the shacks were being used to conceal mining operations and store equipment.

Police confiscated mining tools including phendukas, generators, wheelbarrows and gas cylinders, while explosives recovered from one of the structures prompted the deployment of the Bomb Squad. Authorities also seized liquor worth about R5 000.

Illegal mining remains a major concern in parts of Ekurhuleni, including Benoni, Boksburg and Germiston, due to its links to organised crime and violent crime.
Earlier this year, Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of the SANDF to support SAPS and other law enforcement agencies in efforts to combat illegal mining and organised criminal activity.

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