Residents have been digging for gold inside a kraal at Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs since Wednesday, 11 February.
Residents from Gugulethu Informal Settlement in Springs scrambled for what they believe is a gold mine inside a local kraal.
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The area has been swarming with people since Wednesday, 11 February desperate to strike it rich.
When Daily Sun visited the site, hundreds of people were packed into the kraal.
However, extortionists have already moved in to claim their “cut.”
They manned the gate of the kraal, charging every person R20 to enter and dig.
Despite the “tax,” cars from all over Springs were seen parked outside as people rushed to the site with picks and shovels.
Some of the diggers told Daily Sun it’s about the stomach.
“It’s tough. We aren’t working and we have kids to feed. When we see a chance like this, we jump!” said one woman.
A man who asked not to be named confirmed that some lucky diggers have already found gold.
“This place is near old mining shafts. There must be gold deposits here,” he said.
But the party might be over soon.
Ekurhuleni Municipality spokesman, Phakamile Mbengashe said the situation is bigger than the local police.
He revealed that the matter has been escalated to the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
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Mbengashe warned that tackling Gugulethu zama zamas won’t be easy as some of the illegal miners are heavily armed with powerful guns.
He said a massive joint police operation is the only way to clear the area safely.
