Illegal miners turn Ekurhuleni game park into underground operation site

The Nigel Game Park in Ekurhuleni has been overrun by more than 50 illegal miners, known as zama zamas, who have transformed the once-serene wildlife sanctuary into a makeshift mining camp.

The group has dug ventilation tunnels from two old mine shafts beneath the park and now processes illegally extracted minerals on the surface. What was once a family-friendly escape is now viewed as a danger zone by residents and tourists alike.

Wildlife in danger as miners take control

At night, the zama zamas occupy the park openly, operating makeshift kitchens and generators, and using phendukas—rotating tools used for mineral processing—without fear of law enforcement. Their activities have scared off visitors, and even the park’s wildlife is being affected. The area, once home to springboks, zebras, ostriches, ducks, and geese, now faces an uncertain future.

Local residents and councillors say the park is no longer safe for the community or the animals it was designed to protect.

Community pushback, little city response

In March, concerned residents joined law enforcement in an effort to close the tunnels used by the miners. Although the tunnel entrances were sealed, the zama zamas reopened them within a week.

Ward 88 councillor Wollaston Labuschagne confirmed that the group simply returned days after being chased off.

“When they saw the police, they ran into the tunnel. We managed to close it, but they reopened it a week later,” he said.

Labuschagne also criticised the City of Ekurhuleni for its inaction. He accused the MMC for Environment and Waste Management, Leshaka Manamela, of ignoring repeated calls for assistance.

“Both the MMC and department staff have known about this for more than a year, but they’ve done nothing. I’ve sent the MMC many requests for help, but no one from the city has spoken to me,” Labuschagne said.

Residents fear for safety

Local resident Caroline Maseko described the park’s rapid decline.

“It’s now a scary place. People don’t go there like they used to,” she said. “The park used to be a peaceful spot for residents and visitors to unwind, but now it’s been taken over.”

With illegal mining operations growing bolder, the community fears that continued inaction will lead to irreversible damage—not only to the park’s environment and wildlife but also to public safety.

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Picture: Nigel Times & Scrolla Africa