Residents of Greenside say they fear a similar incident to the Krugersdorp gang rape case and an increase in criminal activity should illegal mining activities in the area not cease.
RESIDENTS of Greenside in Kimberley indicated that they fear another Krugersdorp gang rape incident and an increase in criminal activity in their area should illegal mining activities in the area not cease.
As one drives into the area, large groups of artisanal miners are visibly hard at work digging for diamonds.
Some were digging deep holes behind the fences of some of the houses in the area while others were busy mining on an open piece of land situated at the end of one of the streets.
Residents said that about four people had started digging in the area about three weeks ago. However, after news spread that two diamonds were found, a mini-diamond rush ensued.
“About four or five people, who stay in the area, started mining on the land. Then news started going around that two diamonds were found. The next day, the entire piece of land was filled with zama-zamas. We were shocked as the numbers are now increasing at a rapid rate,” one resident said.
Another resident said that the illegal mining activities have made her normal house chores impossible.
“There are groups of zama-zamas who are mining right behind my house. The only thing that is preventing them from entering my yard is my fence. That is a huge concern as they are digging deep holes that will cause the concrete slabs of the fence to collapse. I am now also unable to use my laundry line which is situated at the back of the house. I also have to constantly sweep and clean the house,” she said.
Frustrated residents said that they have approached the law enforcement agencies and the Sol Plaatje Municipality security department for assistance.
“Our councillor has not given attention to this matter when we brought it to his attention. It appears as if we are fighting a losing battle. We are staying in houses for which we are paying bonds. It is unacceptable that people can just invade our streets and start mining right in our backyards.
“The by-laws of the municipality need to be stricter because these illegal mining activities are getting out of hand. The next moment we will see shanties being erected. There seems to be no laws or regulations in place to curb these activities. We no longer feel safe in our own homes and it is only a matter of time before these people enter our homes. Our children cannot even play outside in the yard or go to the shops by themselves. We are being kept prisoner inside our own homes,” they said.
Businesses located in the area indicated that they were also concerned about the safety of their businesses and staff.
“It is a huge concern and frustration for residents in the area. The other problem is that there is mining taking place on a line that is providing electricity to the area. If one of the miners should hit that power line, they will be electrocuted and the entire area will be without electricity.
“The illegal miners are digging deep holes and leaving those holes open after they are done, resulting in a safety threat to the children. We are also not able to use that road anymore because of the vehicles of the illegal miners.
“We will not be able to run our businesses behind doors with burglar gates. That will leave us with no clients as they might be concerned about their safety when seeking our services,” they said.
Municipal spokesperson Thoko Riet said the artisanal miners are mining on municipal land, but they never got permission to do so.
“Our security services, accompanied by the police, went to the area and told the artisanal miners to evacuate the area. Illegal mining activities such as this run the risk of damaging critical infrastructure and resources. The damage of infrastructure results in the hampering of the provision of basic services. Artisanal miners are urged to follow the correct procedures when applying for land to mine,” Riet said.
