RANDFONTEIN - Hundreds of families who fled their homes in the Sporong informal settlement say they will not return until officials guarantee their safety.
For days now, residents from the Randfontein settlement have been sheltering inside the Randgate community hall.
They fled after what they describe as relentless violence linked to illegal mining.
Residents say they left in a hurry - abandoning their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
They’re now living under poor conditions at a community hall.
Activists say the crisis reflects a lack of political will and a failure to confront illegal mining.
READ: Community blames illegal mining syndicates for Bekkersdal shooting
During recent engagements with local leaders, residents say they were told they must return to the same informal settlement they fled, sparking anger and fear.
eNCA made repeated attempts to get answers, but the Rand West Municipality sent us from pillar to post.
From the ward councillor, to the deputy executive mayor, and the acting municipal manager no official was willing to come on record.
- eNCA’s Nabeelah Shaikh reports.