Residents demand action over a dangerous abandoned mine hole

Residents of Weltevreden Farm, located along the R555 Road, are living in fear due to an abandoned mine shaft that has claimed the lives of numerous livestock and poses a significant danger to human life.

The mine, which was operational almost five decades ago, allegedly left behind a massive open pit that has become a death trap for animals and a hazard for the local community.

Benzi Masilela, a resident of the farm, vividly remembers the first incident in 1978, when cows fell into the gaping hole.

Since then, numerous other animals have suffered the same fate.

Despite efforts to barricade the area, criminals have torn down the barriers, and people have started using the site as a dumping ground, exacerbating the danger.

Masilela said, “I have been up and down with this matter, calling the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) since the latest incident, but I haven’t heard any response.”

“The latest incident comes after criminals tore down the barricades we put there, and people also started dumping there. I’m very scared that one day these criminals will dump people, or people will fall into the hole, just like our livestock,” added Masilela.

Masilela’s pleas for action have allegedly fallen on deaf ears, with emails and calls to the DMRE and local mines going unanswered.

“A trail of emails and calls from me are being ignored; proof thereof is in my possession,” he said.

DMRE has encouraged everyone who faces challenges to pay them a visit at their offices at Saveways Crescent Centre.

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