The City of Joburg intend to stamp out illegal mines before year end

Share the Article:

Vaal Metro X-press can reveal that the City of Joburg is intending to stamp out all illegal mines operation in the region before the end of September this year.

The MMC for public safety at Joburg Metro, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku said the task won’t be easy, however they will do what is at task to discontinue the operations. 

The officials managed to identify additional holes where zama-zamas [illegal miners] uses as a cover up.

Last week law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to shut down some shafts, surprisingly when they came back the following day to monitor the area, all the closed holes were opened. 

According to Tshwaku, before they close down the mines, they are going to follow necessary procedures. 

ALSO READ: Calls for calm as violence on taxi strike intensify

He said; “We are going to do a public announcemet so that they can evacuate the place. We are going to use distinct methods to communicate with them. Failing to adhere, we will shutdown the mines while they are inside the shaft.

This comes shortly after authorities embarked on a surprise anti-illegal operations in Matholesville; West of Joburg, Durban Deep and New Canada instead troubled Zamimpilo informal settlement in Riverlea in a bid to restore order and safety to community.

Riverlea residents have been plagued by violent gun battles between warring illegal mining gang.

When officials approached the vicinity, zama zamas had a meeting, when they noticed officials they started to shoot.

“We retaliated and they ran into the mine using those holes. We went inside a mine and there were no indication of them. Through inspections, we noticed that they used different spots to get out. They were heavily armed. We discovered high calibre rifles and confiscated them,” he reckons.

Tshwaku said the rifles and ammunition will be handed to ballistic to probe it’s origins.

The reports will reveal if the rifles are coming out of the country or originally from the country.

It is alleged zama zamas hired security companies to guard or patrol the area while they are busy digging.

He added: “When the security officers are bored, they leave the place and start to roam the streets looking for women or rob people.”