Residents fear illegal miners are contaminating local water sources with chemicals used to refine gold in streams feeding the City of Mbombela’s (CoM) Rimers Creek Water Treatment Plant.

The concerns come after the CoM temporarily suspended operations at the plant due to suspected contamination linked to illegal mining activities near the raw water intake. Although the municipality has since resumed operations after announcing that water quality testing confirmed acceptable levels for treatment, many residents remain unconvinced.

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Community members claim illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, continue to operate openly in the mountains and streams in surrounding areas.

Lowvelder visited the sites where the illegal mining is taking place and witnessed miners operating during the day without
any fear.

“We can no longer trust the water,” one concerned resident said. “The chemicals can be smelled near some of the streams, and we are worried about what is flowing into our rivers and eventually into our taps.”

Residents allege that illegal mining has become deeply entrenched in the area, with blasting taking place regularly and makeshift settlements established in the surrounding bushes. They also claim discarded batteries, mining waste and other hazardous materials are scattered throughout the area, posing an environmental risk.

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Some community members believe the contamination extends across much of the catchment area and argue that conventional water treatment processes may not be able to remove all chemicals associated with illegal gold processing, including heavy metals such as mercury.

These claims have not been independently verified, and the CoM has stated that ongoing water quality monitoring indicates the treated water is safe.

“The municipality has been continuously testing the water to ensure it meets the required quality standards,” said CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala.

“We are satisfied with the results, and we have not received any reports suggesting otherwise. The plant has been stabilised. The municipality is working with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the SAPS, and other relevant law enforcement agencies.”

Ngala added that the municipality has contingency measures in place should future water quality tests detect any contamination.

The municipality confirmed that the latest water quality test results will be made available to the public, affirming that the water remains safe for consumption.

Beyond environmental concerns, residents say illegal mining is affecting daily life and local businesses. They allege that municipal water infrastructure has been damaged as illegal miners dig through pipelines or steal water pipes to support their operations.

Business owners have also reported increased criminal activity, including the stripping of vehicles for parts, which they believe is linked to illegal mining networks operating in and around Barberton. Community members further allege that some shops continue to sell specialised drilling equipment used by illegal miners and that minors have been observed participating in mining activities.

They have also expressed concern that the illegal mining syndicates appear to receive warnings of police operations, allowing many suspects to evade arrest.

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In response, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said four suspected illegal miners were arrested during an operation conducted on July 29, following a 72-hour activation to stop illegal miners from contaminating Barberton’s water.

“The police will continue to conduct disruptive operations and dismantle illegal mining activities in the area,” he said.

He added that police suspect that after arrests are made, more illegal miners are recruited. “The local police station will continue to patrol and monitor the area and the Illicit Mining Unit will intervene when needed.”

Residents, however, feel that the necessary operations to combat illicit mining in the area are not enough. They have expressed concern over illegal miners operating between residential areas, which has forced them to take extra precautions to secure their homes.

Residents urged the executive mayor of the City of Mbombela, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, to take greater accountability for protecting the municipality’s water sources and ensuring that communities continue to receive safe drinking water.