Residents of the Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs, east of Johannesburg, continue to flock to a local kraal in search of gold following reports that particles of the precious metal were discovered in the area.
What began as scattered digging has quickly escalated into a full-scale rush, with scores of residents gathering daily in hopes of striking it rich or at least earning enough to make ends meet.
However, the situation has taken a darker turn. It is alleged that criminal elements have effectively hijacked access to the site, charging residents an entry fee at the kraal gate amid growing demand linked to black market gold trading.
The City of Ekurhuleni said it is working to identify and apprehend those orchestrating the operation, warning that the illegal activity poses a serious threat to the country’s mineral resources and community safety.
Local residents, many of whom are unemployed, say they have been driven to informal and illegal mining by rising living costs and limited job opportunities. Several indicated they have no immediate plans to stop, citing the need to support their families.
Municipal officials confirmed plans are underway to coordinate a joint law enforcement response through National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, commonly known as NATJOINTS, amid concerns that some individuals at the site may be heavily armed.
Authorities say the operation aims to restore order while addressing safety risks, as the makeshift gold rush continues to draw crowds and tension to the area.