Two digger loaders were impounded by the City on Friday 17 April, after it was discovered they were being used for illegal sand mining.
The City’s Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, said on Thursday 16 April, officers had responded to ongoing complaints about illegal sand mining taking place in the Khayelitsha area.
Digger loaders impounded in Khayelitsha operation
“When they arrived there were digger loaders on site, but the drivers had fled with the keys to the machinery. On Friday 17 April, officers returned to the site and decided to impound the heavy plant machinery.”
He added that the two digger loaders were removed using heavy-duty trucks. Dyason said it was suspected the machinery had been hired and would remain in the City’s possession until the investigation was finalised.
“Every effort will be made to bring those responsible for the illegal sand mining to book.”
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Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment Eddie Andrews said sand mining is a strictly regulated process that requires specialised assessment and approvals before it can begin.
“These include evaluations of environmental, traffic, and infrastructural impacts to ensure that activities do not negatively affect housing, roads, or municipal services. Additionally, mining requires compliance with the land-use departure application process issued by the City of Cape Town.”
Heavy machinery used on unsuitable residential roads
He noted that, in this instance, heavy-duty machinery and trucks were being used on roads not designed for such loads, without authorised access or infrastructure approval. He added that mining was taking place between houses without measures to protect their structural and foundational integrity.
Andrews further warned that excavating deep holes in loose sand within a residential area posed a severe safety risk. As the site was not secured, residents and animals risked falling into these pits, which could lead to injury or death.
Children at risk from open sand-mining pits
“Children are at particularly high risk. Following recent heavy rains, these holes are filled with water, creating a serious drowning hazard for the community.”
Sand mining is regulated by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, with the Department of Mineral Resources serving as the competent authority, Andrews pointed out.
He added that sand mining also requires approval from the local authority (the City of Cape Town) when conducted on land that is not correctly zoned for such activity. Furthermore, the miner is required to consult the landowner, in this instance the City, before accessing the site.
