The Nigel Game Park, a cherished heritage site for over 50 years, faces imminent destruction due to the rampant activities of illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas. Residents and wildlife alike are suffering as the park, once a thriving sanctuary, rapidly deteriorates into a danger zone.
Wildlife in Peril
The park, once teeming with diverse wildlife, has seen a drastic decline in animal populations. A local resident lamented, “You used to come here for a picnic and see lots of game.” Shockingly, since the beginning of 2024:
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Blesbok numbers dropped from 104 to just 67
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Springbok populations plummeted from 44 to only 9
The invasion of illegal miners has not only disrupted the ecosystem but also turned the park into a hazardous area, robbing the community of a beloved recreational space.
Safety Concerns and Environmental Damage
Residents report increasing fear for their lives as violent clashes between rival Zama Zama gangs escalate. The illegal miners have dug extensive underground tunnels, with at least five large holes and makeshift camps now scarring the landscape.
“There’s a lot of Zama Zama activity in the park—it’s affecting our safety, our property value, and the animals,” said one concerned local. Others worry about the structural risks posed by the unregulated mining: “When is the ground going to collapse? There’s nothing supporting these tunnels from below.”
Failed Interventions and Government Inaction
Despite police efforts to shut down mining operations—including sealing a major entrance in March—the Zama Zamas have repeatedly reopened tunnels. Ward 88 Councilor Thabo Mbeki revealed that pleas to the Ekurhuleni Environmental Resources Management Department have gone unanswered for over two years.
“We cannot expect the community to keep closing these holes—it’s up to the responsible department,” Mbeki stated, expressing frustration over the lack of official response.
Property Values Plummet
The crisis has also devastated property values in the area. One homeowner, who purchased land near the park as a retirement investment, now faces significant losses. “We don’t feel safe… if I sell now, I’ll probably make a loss,” she said.
At least two properties have burned down in suspected Zama Zama-related arson attacks, further destabilizing the community.
A Call for Urgent Action
With criminal activity spreading and wildlife vanishing, residents demand immediate government intervention before the park—and their livelihoods—are lost forever.
“Seeing the flora and fauna of this area exposed to such illegal activities is heartbreaking,” said a local resident. “This isn’t just about today—it’s about the future of our children.”
As the situation worsens, the fate of Nigel Game Park hangs in the balance.
