WATCH: Authorities clamp down illegal mining in Nigel
Tools, clothing, and a power generator were found at the hole where the miners were digging.
Illegal mining has become a pressing issue in Nigel and its surrounding areas, with zama zamas operating illegally and even making their presence felt at the Nigel Game Farm.
These miners extract valuable minerals from abandoned or active mines, often using unsafe and environmentally damaging methods.
On March 28, local authorities, members from Nigel Clean Up and the CoE embarked on an operation to clamp down on illegal mining in the area, arranged by local DA ward councillor Wollaston Labuschagne.
“Nigel has experienced an influx in illegal mining activities over the past few months,” Labuschagne said, adding that all the local authorities were approached to embark on a combined initiative to try and catch the zama zamas red-handed.
The SAPS refers to its operation targeting illegal mining as Operation Vala Umgodi, which translates to ‘close the hole’ in isiZulu.
“The Nigel initiative is part of a multidisciplinary effort to combat illicit mining, focusing on sealing abandoned mines and addressing associated crimes,” Labuschagne said.
The Nigel Game Farm, known for its natural beauty and wildlife, has become an unexpected hotspot for illegal mining. Reportedly, the zama zamas have dug into the land, leaving behind environmental scars and threatening the ecosystem. The operations disrupt the tranquil area, raising concerns among residents and conservationists.
“The zama zamas are active at the game park and have lately poached the animals as well,” said Mandla Dlamini, the manager of the Nigel Game Park.
Efforts to address illegal mining in Nigel include sealing abandoned mines and deploying specialised police units. However, the scale of the problem requires collaboration between government, local communities and industry stakeholders.
“We are standing strong as a community with all the local authorities and are fighting the battle of illegal mining operations in Nigel,” Labuschagne said.
At the main assembly point where the operation attendees met on Friday, they were briefed on the scope of the operation before they went to the Nigel Game Farm.
The HERAUT accompanied the operation.
Labuschagne said the illegal miners made various threats during his previous visit to the site, which prompted him to escalate the matter’s urgency and invite local authorities and role players to intervene.
“Ekurhuleni Waste Management and local business owners helped us with building rubble, sand and stone, tipper trucks and a front-end loader to close the hole at the Nigel Game Farm. Upon our previous visit to the game farm, we were approached by the illegal miners and were threatened not to come back,” Labuschagne said and added that the Nigel community and authorities will not stand back and will do what is legally necessary to fight against illegal mining.
Upon arriving at the Nigel Game Farm on Friday, it was evident that illegal miners had established themselves there. At the hole where the miners were digging, tools, clothing and a power generator were found.
Opposite the mining hole at an area that was set up for sleeping and eating, smoke from a fire was still burning, and pots full of freshly made porridge were found. The authorities searched the area but could not find the miners.
“From the evidence, it is clear that the miners were busy here shortly before our arrival,” Labuschagne said.
While authorities were searching the area, the front-end loader arrived and slowly started filling up the hole.
“Sadly, if one hole is closed up, the illegal miners move on to another area. We will not be intimidated and will continue doing our bit for Operation Vala Umgodi, working with all authorities to combat illegal mining,” Labushagne said.
