Many residents allow groups to mine on their property for compensation, while others complain that the deep open pits are a danger, especially to children. Homes are also damaged and streets dug up, making it impossible to drive in the village. Some local residents fear for their lives and spoke to the SABC anonymously. They say they are worried about the damage done by these illegal miners.

“We have been living here for a while. We are very invested as residents. Things were improving, there was a lot of development. The road was muddy but was later paved. This was before the illegal mining activities,” one resident said.

“They dig a hole until they even dig into your fence. You do not know when you or your child is going to fall in there. Even the excavated soil falls in the hole. One of the trucks carrying the soil fell over a while back. Even the women who collect the rocks get hit by those trucks. We are wondering if our children are safe,” a resident added.

Residents reached out to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in October raising safety concerns and asking for government to intervene, ensuring the mining activities are halted and rehabilitation done. While the matter has been reported to the police, nothing has been done to date. According to the community, the police are well aware of the illegal activities but decided to turn a blind eye. Inquiries were made to both the Department of Minerals and Energy and the SA Police, but no comments were forthcoming.

–SABC–