Illegal mining frenzy continues in Springs despite municipal warnings

Locals who have been digging for gold at an informal settlement in Springs have returned to the site after being chased away by police earlier on Monday.

Over the past few days, desperate community members have been digging in the area following rumours of untapped mineral deposits near a disused shaft.

Earlier on Wednesday, dozens of heavily armed metro police and SAPS officers moved in, chasing people away from the city of Ekurhuleni-owned land.

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Desperate locals defy warnings to dig for gold in Springs

What was once a vacant patch of land in the Gugulethu informal settlement has turned into a treasure trove, with locals digging deep trenches in search of gold.

Wheelbarrows, picks, and shovels have been the tools of the trade over the past few days.

On Monday, a strong police presence swarmed the site and halted all activity.
 
But less than an hour after the officers left, many returned.

One man was the first to go back to what he calls his “bread and butter.”
 
"The police are just doing their job, and so are we. If they arrest me, then there’ll be nothing I can do. I’m afraid, but what else can I do?
 
He said that a piece of gold smaller than a rock can fetch no less than R1,900.