‘Johannesburg Explosion’: Did Transnet, Sasol warn of possible gas blasts long time back? Details here

Johannesburg, which is notably South Africa’s largest city, is facing an unprecedented disaster due to the activities of illegal miners, colloquially known as zama zamas. The city officials have called on the government to intervene and prevent the potential catastrophe leading to a second explosion.

Notably in 2018, Sunday Times cited Transnet and Sasol to warn that the zama zamas are dangerously close to highly flammable gas and fuel lines beneath the city. In contrast to the contemporary situation, BBC reported a ground shake witnessed by people around followed by the collapse of Bree Street.

The 2018 report adds that the illegal miners are digging or blasting a complex labyrinth of tunnels, spanning 140km, which poses a threat of collapse to key parts of the city, including the M2 highway, sections of Soweto, the M1 double-decker highway and the 94,000-seat FNB Stadium.


Johannesburg's Infrastructure Protection Unit head Conel Mackay was also cited expressing grave concern. He emphasized the risk posed by gas pipelines running near the FNB Stadium and pointed out several near misses where miners came dangerously close to striking the pipelines in other areas.

Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba and city officials have apprised the national government about the issue, Sunday Times reported.

FAQs

Q1:What is the danger posed by zama zamas?
Zama zamas are digging tunnels that are dangerously close to highly flammable gas and fuel lines. If one of these tunnels collapses, it could cause a major explosion.

Q2:What are zama zamas?
Zama zamas are illegal miners who dig for gold in abandoned mines. They often work in dangerous conditions, and there have been many deaths in the past.