In the aftermath of the gas leak tragedy at the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg, residents say they live in fear as illegal miners are resuming operations. While the authorities attempt to clamp down on illegal mining, some residents say there are no other work opportunities.

Residents of the Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg, the scene of a deadly gas leak last week, say they are living in fear as illegal miners are getting back to work.

"Just last night, I was shouting at some of them because they were trying to get something over my fence. I was scared to go out," said one resident, Amancio Mucumbe.

Mucumbe, who arrived from Mozambique nine months ago, lives with a relative and makes a living by selling vegetables in the street.

Another resident, Lerato Mofolo, said, "The only time I will feel safe is when the open shafts they talk about are sealed. Because if the shafts are not sealed, they will continue their operations and endanger our lives."

Seventeen people died on 5 July after inhaling toxic gas that is believed to have leaked from a cylinder used by zama zamas (illegal miners) to process gold-bearing material.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Elias Mawela visited the area last week and the police uncovered a number of makeshift mining operations in shacks where people live. Many of the shacks had been abandoned by their owners, who apparently feared arrest.

Resuming operations

"Sometimes it happens in the presence...