The R539 through Schoemanskloof in Mpumalanga has been closed following renewed shooting between illegal miners this afternoon (September 30).

Various sources confirmed the closure, according to a Lowvelder Facebook post.

A video sent to the publication captures heavy gunfire echoing through the area.

Watch it here:

Motorists have been advised to avoid the route and use the Elands Valley route as an alternative.

They have also been urged to follow all diversion instructions and prioritise their safety.

Lowvelder reported that it would provide further updates as more information becomes available.

A second shooting followed an incident yesterday (September 29) when a separate shooting involving illegal miners in the Mashoboto area led to the temporary closure of the N4 toll road at Schoemanskloof in the morning.

The incident affected traffic in both directions and caused major delays for motorists.

Speaking in an interview with video journalist Mweli Deejay Masilela today (September 30), Danie du Buisson from Lowveld Farm Watch shed light on the ongoing conflict between illegal mining factions in the Mashoboto and Schoemanskloof areas. He explained that illegal miners have been operating with high-caliber weapons, with fighting escalating as rival factions clash over territory. According to Du Buisson, the land is managed by a Communal Property Association (CPA), but internal divisions within the CPA — some supporting illegal miners and others backing local farming — have further fueled the instability. He called for urgent, sustained government and military intervention, warning that temporary operations leave the area vulnerable to renewed violence once forces withdraw.

Watch the interview here:

Video credit: Mweli Deejay Masilela, with permission granted to Caxton Network News

In a statement issued yesterday, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie condemned the first incident and said road closures of this nature inconvenience road users, disrupt business and create fear.

“Road closures are bad for business and bad for tourism. We cannot allow such barbaric acts to thrive. They tarnish the image of our province, discourage potential investors and instil fear in our communities,” said Macie.

Macie noted the discovery of a man’s body yesterday morning and said law enforcement must pursue those responsible.

The MEC commended the SAPS for ongoing operations against illegal mining, including Operation Vala Umgodi and Operation Shanela, but called for intensified action.

“We must vigorously pursue all those involved in illegal mining throughout the province. We must arrest not only the illegal miners on the ground, but also the kingpins behind these operations, regardless of who they are. Our people deserve to live in peace,” he said.

Macie added that illegal mining is unlawful and has consequences including environmental degradation, pollution and threats to agriculture and food security.

He said those interested in mining must follow legal processes through the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

The department said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster is working through intelligence-driven operations to address illegal mining-related criminality.

Communities have been urged to report suspicious activity anonymously via the Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app.

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