Some Brakpan residents want City of Ekurhuleni to relocate them to safe areas to build new homes

Some frustrated residents in Plastic City, Brakpan, say the City of Ekurhuleni should relocate them to safe areas where they can build new homes.

The metro has been conducting evictions in the illegal trading zone as part of efforts to remove unlawful structures, illegal miners, and occupants.

The city said that Plastic City has been plagued by violence for years, mainly due to clashes between rival zama zama groups operating on the land.

Resident and community leader, Maxwell John, said that life in Plastic City was dangerous because of constant conflict between illegal mining groups.

The land, which has been illegally occupied, is covered with makeshift structures that conceal entrances to underground tunnels used by the miners.

The few residents living in between rubble and sinkholes are calling on the city to find them alternative housing.

John said that the city was supposed to take residents and place them in safe areas.

He added that residents feel that they are unfairly bearing the consequences meant for the illegal miners.