Desperation drives Springs gold rush, say residents, as authorities crack down
Desperation drives Springs gold rush, say residents, as authorities crack down
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Photo Essay
19 February 2026
Residents of Gugulethu, Springs, acknowledge the illegality of the informal gold mining operation that sprang up recently at a local kraal, but argue that economic hardship has left them with limited options.
Residents of Gugulethu, Springs, acknowledge the illegality of the informal gold mining operation that sprang up recently at a local kraal, but argue that economic hardship has left them with limited options.
Community representative, Nceba Mnukwa, engages with locals regarding the illegal mining operation at Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs. 18 February 2026. (Photo: Reitumetse Pilane)
Police move in to stop an illegal gold rush at Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs on 18 February 2026. (Photo: Felix Reitumetse Pilane)
Police confiscated equipment during their raid on the site of an illegal gold rush at the Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs on 18 February 2026. (Photo: Reitumetse Pilane)
Community members watch as police raid the illegal mining operation at the Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs on 18 February 2026. (Photo: Reitumetse Pilane)
Community members express frustration as police raid the illegal mining operation at the Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs on 18 February 2026. (Photo: Reitumetse Pilane)
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