“WATCH: Learners flee burning tyres after zama zamas break into school”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=my1S_843WHU
https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/protests/learners-flee-burning-tyres-zama-zama-protest-october-2022/
19 Oct 2022

A crowd of illegal miners broke into a school and threatened learners and teachers during intense protest action in Ermelo, Mpumalanga on Tuesday.

Highvelder received a video where a group of terrified Wesselton Primary School learners cried while fleeing the chaos.

It is believed the zama zamas broke into the school and intimidated teachers and learners in an attempt to get educators involved in the strike.

The Ermelo Taxi Association reportedly assisted in quelling the situation.

Highvelder reported that nearby Reggie Masuku Secondary School was also targeted by the protesters.

Although not confirmed, the protest action could be due to a significant breakthrough made by police which saw 217 illegal miners arrested last week.

The operation was led by the Saps Gert Sibande District Office and assisted by the Saps National Intervention Unit, Ermelo police and K9 units, the Saps Air Wing, the Department of Home Affairs and security companies, Highvelder reported.

Of the men arrested, 30 were from Zimbabwe, 92 from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland.

In addition to illegal mining charges, the foreign nationals also did not have proper documentation to be in South Africa, and are facing additional charges.