The illegal miners, often referred to as Zama-Zamas allegedly use the local Nigel Game Park as residents fear for the wellbeing of wildlife due to the Zama-Zamas targeting it.

Despite the police's positive interventions in March 2025, the Zama-Zamas have returned to the park, prompting desperate residents to appeal for a permanent solution, before matters get out of hand.

The park is a heritage site that is more than 50 years old and might soon be non-existent as the intrusion of Zama-Zamas threaten the future of the game park. A resident in the area has expressed concern over the rise in muggings.

“The threat is far reaching as many residents fear for their lives, especially after violent clashes between the illegal miners and community members,” the resident said.

--SABC--