Illegal mining activity near gas pipelines in Riverlea scares residents
A recently closed mine shaft was reopened by illegal miners in search of leftover gold, heightening concerns in the community.
Artisanal miners (often referred to as Zama Zamas) operate co-operatively alongside large-scale mining companies in the river valleys south of Johannesburg. Picture: Johannes Khoele
JOHANNESBURG - Riverlea residents, south of Johannesburg, are increasingly fearful of illegal mining activity near gas pipelines under their homes.
The area, already flagged by police as an illegal mining hotspot, also faces serious service delivery issues such as illegal dumping, water leaks and rampant crime.
A recently closed mine shaft was reopened by illegal miners in search of leftover gold, heightening concerns in the community.
READ: Riverlea residents remain concerned about informal settlement and alleged links to illegal mining
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni vowed to tackle illegal mining across Johannesburg when he took office this year, but Riverlea residents feel these promises have yet to bring real change.
They say their fears now extend beyond crime, to the safety of their own lives, with Sasol gas pipelines running less than a metre under their homes.
Police visited the reopened mine shaft this week, promising to find a permanent solution to the community’s plight.