Several residents from Florlake Apartments in Florida have expressed concerns about the increasing illegal mining activity just behind their complex on Albertina Sisulu Road.
An elderly resident whose apartment is just a few metres away from the illegal mining site, and who asked not to be named out of fear for her life, said she had been watching people carrying bags and digging in the ground every day.
The resident also raised some concerns about a Petronet pipeline that is very close to the illegal mining site since the zama zamas have also started doing some blasting.
Another resident told the Record that they fear that the illegal digging could compromise the infrastructure and people’s properties as well as cause the road to collapse.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/06/28/urgent-notice-for-roodepoort-motorists/
Colonel Amos Tsotetsi from the Florida Police Station confirmed to the Record that he was aware of the Illegal mining activity, and that the station conducted operations weekly to stamp out illegal mining.
“The residents must report crime to the Crime Stop hotline on 0800 10 111, Florida Police on 011 831 7000 or download the MySAPS app on their smartphone to report any illegal activities,” said Tsotetsi.
When asked about the Petronet pipeline near the illegal mining site, Tsotetsi said he was aware of it but could not comment on behalf of Petronet.
According to Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn, he is also aware of the situation as he was informed numerous times by concerned community members.
“I have lodged the issue with the Florida Police as well as the District and Provincial Police, JMPD and Department of Mineral Resources & Energy (DMRE). This included meetings with these stakeholders and subsequent police operations which led to arrests and confiscation of items used to carry out illegal mining.
“City Power also made use of a TLB to close the holes directly beneath their electricity pylons.
“It is important to note that one of the biggest challenges surrounding illegal mining is that it is mostly being carried out by undocumented foreign nationals and there is almost no support from Home Affairs in resolving this issue,” said Finn.
The Ward 70 councillor encouraged residents to report these issues to law enforcement as well as write to the DMRE via email at enquiries@dmr.gov.za as they must ultimately resolve the issue.
When asked about the alleged blasting at the site, the councillor confirmed that he was aware of it as this is common practice for illegal miners and is more than likely occurring at this site as well.
“I have had discussions with Transnet whose pipeline is most affected, and I am concerned about the proximity of the digging to the pipeline. Transnet would be best placed to answer on this but I know that they have escalated this matter to senior law-enforcement officers to request urgent intervention,” he said.
