Violent clashes over illegal sand mining in Groutville and Esenembe

Authorities descended on illegal sand mining operations along the Umhlali River and near the Groutville Airfield last week amid mounting concerns over environmental destruction, trespassing and intimidation of landowners.

Three suspected illegal sand miners, between the ages of 24 and 37, were arrested after a confrontation with a landowner allegedly escalated into a shootout near the airfield last week. A truck allegedly used in the mining operation was seized.

The men have since appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court.

On Tuesday morning the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), supported by Umhlali Saps and private security partners, inspected a site near Rain Farm following complaints of mining activity across five privately owned properties along the Umhlali River.

Possibly due to a tip-off, no miners were present during the inspection, however abandoned equipment and environmental destruction made it clear that illegal activities had recently been taking place.

Environmental mineral resource inspector Janine Naidu, who led the operation, said that once she had witnessed illegal mining activity and interviewed those involved she would be able to issue an order to cease operations.

Inspectors found evidence that an access road had recently been cleared through the riparian zone to reach an extensive sandbank where mining appears to be planned.

Naidu warned illegal sand mining was widespread across the province because of the demand for river sand, the quality of which is particularly high in KZN. She said unchecked mining could lead to riverbank
erosion, increased flood risks for riverside properties and declining downstream water quality.

While the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs department had not responded at the time of publication, the Water and Sanitation department confirmed that no water-use authorisations had been issued for the site.

“No water users are registered on this property and no applications for water-use authorisations have been received for this location,” said spokesperson Wisane Mavasa.

Landowners say tensions with the alleged illegal miners are escalating.

Resident Les Coetzee alleged a TLB operator attempted to run him over when he confronted the group last Tuesday. Police attended and issued incident report numbers, although no criminal cases were opened.

Prior to the site visit this week the Courier spoke to a man identifying himself only as “Kilo”, who claimed to oversee the operation. The cellphone number used by “Kilo” is registered to a Timothy Gumede,
but whether this is the identity of the speaker could not be confirmed.

He refused to confirm whether the miners had the required permits, water-use licence or environmental
authorisation.

He told the Courier that we had no right to request the documentation and asked us to stop calling.