WATCH: Illegal mine a concern to public

Illlegal mining poses a threat for residents. Watch video here:

Pieter Green, a Toekomsrus community member, showing the bags found on the site the illegal miners use.

The community of Toekomsrus is deeply concerned about an illegal mining hotspot in the area and feel the only way they will be heard is if blood is shed.

The illegal mine shaft is located on Olifant Street and is in the open veld directly opposite Hartzstraat Primary School.

Pieter Green, a Toekomsrus community member, in one of the mine shafts.

Children from the school use the veld as a shortcut to reach the lower parts of Toekomsrus and this poses an immediate danger to them.

Residents have also noticed strange activity on the hill in the veld and have heard and felt numerous explosions.

“Next time you look, our houses will have fallen into the ground. What happens if a sink-hole forms? The police and municipality need to start taking this seriously,” said Jetta Beaufort, the DA Ward 8 councillor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyan99MF-VU&feature=youtu.be

The community has since sent out patrols to catch the culprits. These were met with gunfire.

The matter has been reported to the police as well as to the Rand West City Local Municipality but the community said that until now, nothing significant has been done.

When the Herald visited the site, we found three holes in the ground, in between large rocks.

Pieter Green, Valencia Williams and Kevin Webb showing what they found at the illegal mine.

At the site, a quantity of some green chemical, as well as what looks to be gold powder, was found. It was alleged by the community that the chemicals are used to separate the gold from the dirt.

Members of the community fear for their lives, and are also scared that their homes might break up with each explosion.

They feel illegal miners would be less inclined to use the site if the grass in the veld was cut and the Apollo light, which they were allegedly promised by previous leadership, was erected.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.