Illegal mining leaves Johannesburg facing R262m road-repair bill

Illegal mining is causing extensive damage to infrastructure in Johannesburg, including roads, bridges, electricity networks, and water facilities. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) describes the problem as severe, impacting public safety, the environment, and local communities. The city faces a R262 million bill for repairs due to these illicit activities. Illegal mining also fosters lawlessness, with crimes like assaults and robberies increasing in affected areas.