Zama zamas uncover historic mine tunnels along Rose Creek

It seems no place is safe from the reach of zama zamas. Lowvelderreportsthat a resident of this historical town discovered unusual diggings on the banks of the Rose Creek, which flows between Barberton and the majestic Makhonjwa mountain range. It was later found that the ‘diggings’ were actually part of the century-old Golden Crescent Mine.

“I was on my daily walk along my usual route,” said the resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal. “I’ve walked here many times before but never noticed anything suspicious.” About three weeks ago, he noticed movement on the creek embankment and saw the diggings. “At the time there weren’t many zama zamas,” he said.

He was surprised by how close they were to town.“My first thought was this must be the latest ‘hot spot.’ Knowing that illegal miners can be violent, I did not investigate.” He reported it to his security company and later contacted his friend, retired mine surveyor Alex Henssa.“I told Alex about my find. He didn’t know about the diggings and wanted to investigate.” “When I later examined the site, I met the zama zamas and asked what they were doing,” Henssa toldLowvelder. “At first they were aggressive, but relaxed when I explained I was a mine engineer and didn’t plan to report them.

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They told me it was actually a closed mine.” The miners explained that they had removed the sieve covering a two-meter-wide tunnel. “I learned that the Golden Crescent Mine had been sealed, probably around 1920 by its former owners, Thomas Andrew & Sons. I entered the tunnel and found it extended horizontally towards the town, following the east/west gold reef,” Henssa said.

He explored the tunnel for about 100m before it became too dangerous. Henssa confirmed it posed no risk: “It only runs under my garden. During my 45-year career as a mine surveyor, it has always fascinated me how miners worked without the tools we have today.”

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