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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg stands with the residents of Riverlea. Their concerns over the escalating issue of illegal mining in the city have fallen on deaf ears. Regrettably, both the national Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) have been slow to address the problem effectively. The DA warned government last week that illegal mining in the Riverlea will lead to more blood on their hands, it now has.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) lacks the necessary resources to combat the highly organised and armed illegal mining syndicates operating within the city, therefore the DA in Johannesburg has previously written to government, to request urgent intervention.

Recently, a tragic incident in the Riverlea area resulted in the deaths of five illegal miners during a violent altercation between rival gangs. The residents feel as if they are living in a war zone, prompting them to protest and erect blockades in response to the ongoing danger.

I have personally received a distressing video recording from a resident, which captures the intensity of gunfights among illegal miners. The sound of automatic rifle shots can clearly be heard in the background as the innocent families seek shelter from stray bullets.

The issue goes beyond mere gang shootouts. Illegal mining causes significant damage to infrastructure, with electric cables stolen, sinkholes forming and bulk water pipes are destroyed to support the illicit mining operations.

Despite these troubling circumstances, the Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has remained largely absent, adding to the frustration felt by the community. The urgent need for collaboration between the City, the DMR, and the SAPS to address illegal mining and violence across Johannesburg cannot be overstated. It is essential to focus efforts on known shaft points where illegal miners operate, yet little action has been taken by SAPS to combat these activities effectively. Expecting JMPD officers, equipped with only pistols, to confront armed illegal miners with assault rifles and make arrests is untenable.

It is imperative that the City takes immediate action by initiating joint operations with all stakeholders to clear hot spots and shut down illegal mining shafts. I intend to raise these concerns in the Public Safety Section 79 Committee and demand that the MMC for Public Safety presents comprehensive action plans to combat illegal mining within the City.

Our residents should not be forced to live in fear. Johannesburg rightfully belongs to law-abiding citizens, not gun-wielding criminals. It is our duty to work together to ensure the safety and security of our city and its people.

Issued by Cllr Michael Sun - Deputy Caucus Leader