The Weltevreden Landfill Site has reopened under tightened security measures. The reopening follows a February 13 announcement by the City of Ekurhuleni on its social media platforms that the site was closed and that operations would remain suspended until further notice.

It is the second time in recent months that the site has been closed.

As previously reported by the Brakpan Herald, operations at the site were halted last year due to escalating dangerous working conditions resulting from illegal mining activities and territorial clashes between illegal miners and waste reclaimers.

The landfill was closed on December 8 to protect employees and clients from potential harm. The site was partially reopened on January 23, following a law enforcement operation to clear it of illegal miners and restore a safe environment.

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It was opened to the public on January 26.

According to a post on the city’s social media platforms on February 17, operations have resumed following a brief closure of the facility due to the invasion of illegal miners on the site.

“The site is one of the city’s revenue-generating facilities, and its closure affects the city’s coffers,” the city posted.

“The city’s EMPD Intervention Unit is now deployed on site to reinforce safety measures for the staff and all patrons using the facility. The EMPD will maintain heavy presence on site until the situation stabilises.”

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