PAYNEVILLE - Tensions are running high in Payneville as law enforcement clamps down on illicit mining operations.
Residents refuse to back down, saying their livelihoods depend on it.
For them, this isn't illegal mining -- it's survival.
Chaos erupted on Wednesday when law enforcement swooped in.
The City of Ekurhuleni says illegal mining won't be tolerated.
It says it will continue to educate the community about the illegality of their activity.
Law enforcement will remain on site to monitor the situation. Three arrests have been made so far.
- eNCA's Silindelo Sebata reports.