 An estimated 600 people live in the contemporary Benz village, of which two thirds come from Brazil and the others are maroons.Benzdorp is originally an Aluku (or Aloekoe or Boni) village; both banks (but especially the French) of the Lawa on this height have been inhabited by the Aluku Maroons for hundreds of years.These people have been active as gold miners in this part of their habitat.