A South African gas leak in a shantytown has killed 17 people, with officials suggesting the accident is likely linked to illegal mining. Gauteng Province Premier Panyaza Lesufi said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the leak and the type of gas involved. The disaster occurred near Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, and in December, a gas tanker explosion in the same township killed dozens and destroyed houses and vehicles. Initial investigations indicated the leak could be linked to illegal mining, with the number of suspected illegal miners not yet known. Illegal mining, mainly for gold or coal, has plagued South Africa's mining industry for decades, robbing the sector and state coffers of billions of rand through smalltime pilfering and networks run by organized crime.
The scene was heartbreaking, with the youngest victim being a one-year-old child. The death toll of the victims was 17 and four others were critically ill in hospital. Lesufi shared local residents' frustrations when they were aware of illegal mining operations, urging the police force to match the firepower of these miners. Forensic workers in hazmat suits combed the area on Wednesday night, and teams will continue their investigations on Thursday. The smell of poisonous gas was still up in the sky when the incident occurred.
