Virginia community live in fear of illegal miners

VIRGINIA - The community of Virginia says they live in fear of illegal miners.

They say the zama zamas are causing havoc in the area and the police don’t seem to have things under control.

READ: Illegal Mining | No hope of retrieving Free State miners' bodies anytime soon

At least 31 suspected illegal miners died in a gas explosion at a shaft last month.

Authorities can't say when the bodies will be retrieved as methane levels are currently too high to carry out retrieval operations.

A mineworker -- who worked on the mine when it was still operational -- said this shaft was sealed and he is unsure how the suspected illegal miners gained access.

READ: Illegal Mining | 31 dead miners believed to be Lesotho nationals

"The main thing is that security must be heightened here. It’s clear there’s no security here," said Bongani Honono.

"That’s what makes them feel at home when they’re here. Areas, where they enter, must be sealed."

* eNCA's Moloko Moloto reports.