17 Boksburg residents die due to Gauteng government's failure to act against illegal miners

6 July 2023

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of 17 residents following a gas leak at Angelo Informal Settlement in Boksburg last night. At least 16 people have also been admitted to the hospital.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those in the hospital.

It is alleged that nitrate oxide leaked from a gas cylinder used by illegal miners (Zama Zama's) to clean gold dust in the community.

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) are to blame for this tragedy due to their failure to address illegal mining in the province.

Gas usage by non-compliant individuals is a danger to communities through highly flammable leaks, ignition sources, and improper handling, which may lead to explosions.

In environments where handlers comply with the law, regular maintenance is conducted, and there is proper ventilation and a gas detector which are crucial to avoid casualties.

However, the above is impossible with illegal miners who obstruct the law for their own financial benefit.

For far too long, the DA has been demanding that the Gauteng government implement a strategy to deal with illegal miners. However, this has fallen on deaf ears, and there is not enough policing in mining communities due to ill-equipped police stations.

We demand that the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, and the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, act against illegal miners in the province.

Illegal miners harm not only Gauteng residents; but themselves as this illicit activity kills hundreds of them.

The DA will further write to MEC Mazibuko to ascertain whether there is a strategy to deal with illegal miners and when it will be implemented.

Issued by Ruhan Robison, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety, 6 July 2023