Tongues of fire
The pockets of flame appear to be spreading further and further underground.
A coal seam in the disused mine to the north of the Ermelo golf course appears to have ignited, sending a continuous kaleidoscope of orange and blue flames to the surface.
Plumes of smoke can also be seen billowing out from beneath the surface.
Although the flames and smoke can clearly be seen in daytime, it is at night that the flames on the hillside are visible from a distance.
The disused mine is frequented by illegal miners who, despite being warned of the dangers involved, continue to extract the low grade coal from the highly dangerous environment.
Several illegal miners have perished in rock falls and accidents at the old mine in the past.
This, together with the latest threat of being burned or inhaling toxic fumes, has, however, not deterred them from risking their lives.
They simply move on to an area which is deemed to be “safe”.
The latest turn of events has not found favour with nearby farmers, who complain of smoke and gases being blown in their direction.
According to the owner of a nearby smallholding, for the past month, pockets of smoke and flame have been billowing from subsidences in the ground where tunnels have collapsed.
The pockets of flame appear to be spreading further and further underground.
The Highvelder referred the matter to Msukaligwa Disaster Management for comment.
No reply had been received by the time of going to print.
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