Residents of the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg are calling on authorities to address the ongoing issue of zama zamas (illegal miners) in South Africa. Mandla Murundaa, who has lived in the squatter camp for seven years, claims that zama zamas have always been a problem but that the situation escalated on Wednesday night when a deadly gas leak occurred.
Murundaa was one of the first responders at the scene, where 17 people tragically lost their lives. He alleges that three zama zamas were attempting to cut open a gas cylinder containing nitrogen oxide when it exploded, releasing toxic fumes. These individuals reportedly wanted to extract gold from the soil inside the cylinder.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana has stated that innocent lives were lost due to the zama zamas’ relentless pursuit of gold. Inside the shack where the incident took place, authorities discovered machinery constructed using gas equipment.
The gas leak claimed the lives of five women, three children (including a one-year-old), and nine men. It occurred just meters away from the zama zamas’ illegal mining operation.
The incident has reignited concerns about the zama zama scourge plaguing Gauteng, with Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi admitting that the government lacks a proper plan to address the issue. Zama zamas pose a significant threat not only to their own lives but also to the surrounding communities. Their illegal mining activities often result in accidents, environmental damage, and the theft of precious minerals.
Residents of the Angelo informal settlement are now urgently demanding action from the police to deal with the zama zamas and prevent further tragedies. These individuals highlight the need for increased measures to combat the illegal mining industry and protect both the lives of the zama zamas and the communities in which they operate.
It is clear that a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle this issue effectively. This includes addressing the root causes that drive individuals to engage in illegal mining, as well as implementing stronger law enforcement strategies to dismantle the zama zama networks operating in South Africa.
The gas leak in Boksburg serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by the unchecked activities of zama zamas. It is a stark illustration of the urgent need for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of all South Africans by curbing illegal mining and protecting vulnerable communities from the hazards associated with this illicit industry. The voices of residents like Mandla Murundaa must be heard, and swift action must be taken to bring an end to the devastation caused by zama zamas in South Africa.
