JOHANNESBURG - As the police and army operation to flush out illegal miners continues in Stilfontein, North West, residents blame high unemployment in the area for this illegal activity.
Many of them worked in the mines before their closure, and have felt forced to join syndicates to make a living.
They say they have no choice but to endure unhealthy and dangerous conditions underground.
eNCA reporter Bafedile Moerane has more in the video above.