Primrose residents demand urgent action as illegal mining blasts shake homes

The Primrose community is gripped by fear and growing frustration as illegal mining operations in the area intensify.

Nightly underground explosions are shaking homes, damaging infrastructure, and endangering lives.

Residents in Wychwood, Simmerfield and Malvern East say they have endured near-constant explosions for weeks, often starting around 18:00 and continuing until dawn.

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“The blasts have become so frequent and severe that the earth trembles beneath us, cracking walls and rattling windows.

“Residents are living in terror of a full-scale disaster,” said Tracy Enslin, chairperson of the Primrose CPF.

She said it is not just the noise but also the ground shaking that is affecting the structural integrity of houses.

“We are eventually going to have complete homes collapsing if something is not done immediately.

“Some nights we experience up to 12 explosions. This is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a crisis, and we need those in leadership to intervene,” said Enslin.

The explosions, believed to be caused by illegal underground blasting by zama zamas, are not only causing structural damage but also raising fears of a potential sinkhole or large-scale cave-in.

“Residents are now living in fear, and a community living in constant anxiety. The matter needs to be attended to,” said Enslin.

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Residents and community leaders are calling on the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, along with SAPS specialised units, to urgently intervene. The CPF has formally sent an email pleading with all relevant departments for assistance.

“SAPS does not have the capacity within local law enforcement to manage what has become a deeply entrenched criminal operation.

“Local police are outnumbered and ill-equipped to deal with heavily armed and highly organised illegal miners. We urgently need national intervention, trained units, mining inspectors, and reinforced security operations,” Enslin added.

David Hutch-Barr, vice-chairman of the Primrose Ratepayers’ Association (PRA), shares the same sentiments. The PRA has also sent numerous emails to various departments requesting assistance.

“The consequences of inaction could be devastating; possible loss of property, injuries or worse, fatalities from a potential collapse. We don’t want to sit and wait for that to happen,” said Hutch-Barr.

The PRA has urged all levels of government—local, provincial, and national—to prioritise the matter and prevent what could become a full-blown human and environmental catastrophe.

As the explosions continue, so does the community’s resolve to speak out, demand protection, and hold the relevant authorities accountable.

ALSO READ: Primrose CPF calls on justice system to support efforts to stop illegal mining

“This is not just about stopping illegal mining—it’s about protecting lives. We need urgent action before tragedy strikes,” Hutch-Barr stressed.

According to Hutch-Barr, a serious shooting incident involving private security companies and zama zamas took place on May 26.

“Residents, already living in fear due to underground explosions by illegal miners, are now caught in the crossfire of escalating violence.

“The recent gunfire incident has further exposed the limitations of local law enforcement and prompted urgent appeals for military intervention,” he said.

He added that it is time for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to be deployed.

The PRA has formally requested a temporary SANDF base be established at the intersection of Simmer & Jack and Stanhope Road, a known hotspot for illegal activity.

ALSO READ: Rival zama zama groups turn guns on JMPD officers investigating illegal mining leads

“It’s not just about protecting the homes in the suburbs. We represent the broader community including Marathon, Delport and the Kwarasta informal settlements. Every life matters, and right now, all lives are being placed at risk by the zama inaction,” said Hutch-Barr.

An enquiry was sent to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on May 17. The email was acknowledged, but no comment was received on how they plan to assist areas affected by illegal mining.