Gauteng safety committee calls for end to illegal mining

It’s alleged illegal mining operations were behind the deadly gas leak at the Angelo informal settlement in Ekurhuleni. 

Seventeen people died, while 11 others were rushed to hospital on Wednesday night. 

In a statement, the committee noted allegations that the nitric oxide gas cylinder that caused this incident was part of an illegal mining operation manned by the so-called zama zamas in the area. 

“We are saddened by these events. Over the years, Gauteng has recorded countless deaths of innocent residents as a result of illegal mining activity that occasionally springs up in different parts of the province,” Committee Chairperson Bandile Masuku, said. 

“The Committee calls on law enforcement agencies to set up dedicated and special units that will see the complete eradication of illegal mining activity in the province.”  

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi described the harrowing scenes as ‘heartbreaking’. 

“I regretted why we had to go through that scene. It is something that we might need assistance with personally because the bodies were scatted everywhere,” he said after visiting the area just hours after the incident.  

He said psychosocial services would be availed to victims and affected families. 

READ: ‘He fell as he tried to run from smell’ – family of Angelo gas leak victim

Eyewitnesses described scenes of victims collapsing, some coughing up blood, while others struggled to breathe. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his condolences to the families of those affected. 

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