WESTONARIA - The family of one of the Bekkersdal tavern massacre victims is also convinced illegal miners had a hand in their relative's death.
Sibonelo Tshotsha was laid to rest in Westonaria.
Police are still hoping to positively link five individuals found with weapons to the mass shooting.
The community is gripped by a wave of fear that seems to emanate from some Lesotho nationals living in the area.
The accusing finger points to unnamed individuals alleged to be harbouring them.
Rand West deputy mayor Nontombi Molatlhegi agrees that unsealed mines are a problem.
But she appears powerless to deal with this issue, and is another local government official laying the blame on the doorstep of her colleagues at national level.
The five Lesotho nationals charged with the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition that police hope to link to the murders will be back in court on Monday 5 January.
They have abandoned their respective bail bids, pending the outcome of an identity parade.
- eNCA's Hloni Mtimkulu reports.