Once again the community of West V?illage in Krugersdorp has plunged into fear as zama zamas have made a come back terrorising the residents again.

West Village has always been under siege from ruthless zama zamas. For the past two years the situation had changed following various police operations after eight video vixens were allegedly raped and robbed in the area.

?Residents felt like the community was back in their hands after the police pushed out zama zamas. However, the situation is eventually going back to its horrific state with illegal miners taking over and bringing terror to the people. There's rape cases that have been reported to us and the police because they've lost hope in the system after those 13 men were released after they were charged with rape,? said gender activist and Soul City resident in Kagiso Lydia Nawa, adding that things are getting worse every day after four suspected zama zamas died following a turf war in late January.

"Our fear is when these people are shoot each other, they will again start coming to our homes, raping us and the kids. We are living in fear every day. During last year?s exams some of our kids, couldn't even study with fear of catching a stray whilst locked into their books at night.There will be gunshots forcing us to hide  under our beds with the lights off. So, really, the situation here is out of hand. The only thing the government needs to do is to deal with the zama zamas. Our lives are in danger.?

The police said that they are continuing with their multidisciplinary operation ?Vala Umgodi? in conjunction with the SANDF which is strictly aimed at rooting out illegal miners and destabilising their trade.

?We can confirm that we have received information about the return of illegal miners in Krugersdorp. It is safe to say the District Commissioner of the West Rand is hands on and will ensure to intensify their operations once again in the area," said the police