Residents of an established part of Khutsong are complaining that illegal miners are becoming an increasing problem.

An opposition party councillor, Welile Fihla, showed the Herald on October 8 how illegal miners dug out a municipal water pipe and connected their own pipe to it in the middle of a street in Kayalethu.

“They can now take water as they please and the leak can also cause a sinkhole,” he complained.

Fihla also noted that because the Merafong City Local Municipality owes Rand Water a huge amount of money, they should be more concerned about such illegal connections.

So far, complaints from the public about the issue have fallen on deaf ears.

Residents complain that this illegal connection is part of a much bigger problem.

The street where the illegal connection is located forms the boundary between a residential area and a veld that has been completely taken over by illegal miners.

At the time of the Herald’s visit, the zama-zamas were continuing with their illegal actions as usual. Although this veld is also a route for pedestrians, many of whom are learners from schools in the area, the illegal miners have dug open huge holes and trenches. Large heaps of gravel line their workings. There were also other water leaks that residents say were caused by the illegal miners.

The illegal mining activities in this area have been continuing for years but, according to residents, it is getting worse. Previously, community leaders such as Chucku Kerileng have pointed out that the illegal miners’ workings are extremely close to the main Rand Water pipe leading through the area. If they manage to damage this pipe, it can lead to widespread water shortages and cause huge sinkholes.

“We have asked the municipality to help to close this illegal mine. The ward councillor, who is also the MMC for Public Safety, told us to leave the zama-zamas alone because they are dangerous,” laments Fihla.

“We are living in fear, but for the zama-zamas it is business as usual,” another resident complains.

Meanwhile, residents staying in the area of the old teachers’ quarters also complain that illegal miners have taken over an empty house and yard in this area.

“This is a good neighbourhood. Once these people become comfortable here, it will increase crime in our area,” one of the residents lamented.

Although the Herald took the issues to the municipality on October 12, no feedback was received by printing time.