Residents of Nigel in Gauteng are raising alarms as their once-tranquil game park has been overrun by illegal miners, turning it into a dangerous no-go zone. Approximately 60 zama zamas (illegal miners) have occupied the park, using it as a base to mine from old shafts and process minerals in makeshift tunnels.
A Community Under Siege
Locals say the miners have set up camp in the open, complete with generators, improvised kitchens, and self-made cylinders for mineral processing. What was once a peaceful weekend retreat is now a hotspot for criminal activity, leaving residents fearful for their safety and property values.
Andre Moolman, a concerned resident, highlighted the severity of the crisis: “The heart of Nigel is full of zama zamas. They come and go as they please, and no one stops them.” He expressed fears over collapsing underground tunnels, dwindling wildlife populations, and plummeting house prices, warning that “the whole town is going to fall apart.”
Wildlife and Safety at Risk
The environmental impact is stark. At the start of 2024, the park had 104 blesbok—now only 67 remain. Similarly, the springbok population dropped from 44 to just nine. Women living alone report break-ins, and residents say authorities have done little to help.
Authorities Respond—But Is It Enough?
Ekurhuleni councillor Wollaston Labuschagne acknowledged the crisis, crediting local police, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), and Home Affairs for recent operations. However, he criticized the Ekurhuleni Parks Department for failing to secure the area. “We took it upon ourselves to act,” he said, emphasizing the need for sustained intervention.
A Growing Crisis
With illegal miners reportedly arriving from other towns, Nigel’s situation mirrors broader struggles with zama zamas across Gauteng. Residents now demand urgent action before more damage is done—to their land, their heritage, and their future.
