KZN diamond rush: Govt spoils party, slams locals for ‘illegal mining’

Residents of KwaHlathi, near Ladysmith in KZN, believe they have struck it rich this weekend – after an alleged ‘mass discovery of diamonds’ in the hills of this small suburb. Reports of the precious stones surfacing captured the imagination last week, and on Sunday, thousands of people were seen combing through the earth for their gems.

Diamonds are forever in this part of KZN

It has not yet been established if these stones are genuine diamonds – but if they are, KwaHlathi residents may be sitting on top of a small fortune. While grabbing a personal supply will be beneficial for many, the potential confirmation of ‘diamond status’ could bring huge mining opportunities to the region.

There have been several videos doing the rounds online, with the so called diamond rushers revelling in their get-rich-quick methods. One clip shared by the Provincial Government shows just how hectic the scene was over the weekend:

Watch: Diamond rush takes place in KwaHlathi

KZN PREMIER CALLS FOR ORDER AMID REPORTS OF A “DIAMOND RUSH” IN KWAHLATHI NEAR LADYSMITH

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has noted with concern, the reports of illegal mining activity taking place at KwaHlathi outside Ladysmith

Video : supplied #DiamondRush pic.twitter.com/zy1oyIhPQz

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) June 13, 2021

Locals urged to avoid ‘illegal mining’

However, the KZN Government is already beginning to dampen spirits in KwaHlathi. They have branded the practice of diamond collecting as ‘illegal mining’, and worried that the size of the crowds could create a ‘COVID superspreader event’.

“The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has noted with concern, the reports of illegal mining activity taking place at KwaHlathi outside Ladysmith where throngs of people have gathered to mine what they believe are diamonds.”

“This activity follows the discovery by some of what they believe to be the precious stones. Images and videos have been circulating on social media where some involved in illegal mining are seen celebrating in the belief that they had struck it rich. The Department of Minerals and Energy has promised to dispatch teams to the site.” | KZN Govt

• Premier Zihle Sikalala also did his best to extinguish the carnival atmosphere building in this part of the province:

“We are deeply concerned about the images showing that some people coming from as far as some of the neighbouring provinces and towns are flocking into kwaHlathi.  We are worried that if not brought under control the situation could result in chaos and a possible stampede. We call for order and calm and urge all those involved to cease their operations.”