Police minister Bheki Cele and SAPS top management returned to Riverlea today for an imbizo with the community of Riverlea on the West Rand to address concerns about crime and illegal mining in the area. Residents say police efforts will be in vain if the Zamimpilo squatter camp still exists. They want everyone there moved. The community members protested for two days after five alleged zama zamas were killed in the area allegedly by other illegal miners in a turf war.

Johannesburg Ward 61 councillor Msimelelo Lobi said the squatter camp which has excessively grown has become a safe haven for criminals. "As long as the Zamimpilo informal settlement exists, illegal miners would continue with their reign of terror. The City of Johannesburg's Department of Human Settlements should have moved people from the area a long time ago as promised," he said. Lobi said because there is currently heavy police presence it was safe for government people to come and survey the place. "Now it is safe, now it is time for housing to come and do an audit Now it's time for human settlements to take part now it's time for the city to do services," he said.

Cele said it seemed as if the police were fighting a losing battle because zama zamas have re-opened the mining holes that were closed. "This tells us that we need to be more professional in closing the holes. We can't just put soil only to cover those holes. There are other holes that were closed professionally. We are talking to the department responsible for that. Before that, we need to wipe the place. We need to get all these people. Some of them are far more than 100 that we have collected. We need to continue ensuring that most are found with their guns and all equipment used for illegal mining," he said. He said the deployed units will continue doing their job. Cele also said the police have ave arrested 194 suspects during intensified police operations in Riverlea. "The police are making arrests and creating a stable environment so that the Department of Minerals and Energy can permanently seal off disused mines where illegal mining is taking place," he added.