Going into zama zama tunnels is to enter 'another world'

Within seconds of passing under the N12 along Snake Road in Benoni, we pull over and park on the shoulder of the road.

- Michel Bega

A number of curious, dusty heads immediately pop up above the tall grass, metres from the verge. Our security detail, provided by Marius van der Merwe of QRF Task Team, quickly enters into negotiations for access.

We are here to photograph and video some illegal mining tunnels alongside the N12 and surrounds which are causing major damage to infrastructure.

After a few minutes we get the all clear. As we approach a makeshift campsite, security is on high alert with guns drawn.