A wave of demolitions at the Albert Luthuli informal settlement has sparked a stand-off between the City of Ekurhuleni and locals, as authorities move to reclaim land they say is being exploited by illegal miners, reports Benoni City Times.

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

In response to 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. The demolitions, which began last week and continued throughout the following days, 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.

Alternative housing provided for legitimate 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 CoE 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 city added that the remaining structures were found to have been illegally rented out, sold, or occupied unlawfully. 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. Further arrests linked to illegal mining have reportedly been made as agencies remain active in the area.

Operation to combat illegal mining

The coordinated crackdown involved multiple agencies, including the EMPD, SAPS, SANDF, Gauteng traffic wardens, home affairs, human settlements and disaster, and emergency services.

During the operation, authorities arrested suspects, disconnected illegal electricity connections, and demolished structures allegedly used to conceal mining operations and store equipment. Police confiscated tools including phendukas (home-made machines used to process gold-bearing rock), generators, wheelbarrows, and gas cylinders.

Explosives recovered from one of the structures prompted the deployment of the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit. Authorities also seized liquor worth approximately R5 000.

Illegal mining remains a major concern in parts of Ekurhuleni, including Benoni, Boksburg, and Germiston, due to its links to organised crime. Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of the SANDF to support police in efforts to combat these syndicates.

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