SPRINGS - Foreign nationals, corrupt police and crime intelligence officials are the buyers of minerals mined illicitly.
This is according to a Payneville resident who spoke anonymously to eNCA.
The infamous Springs gold rush hasn't stopped despite police intervening.
Residents continue to dig trenches in a kraal inside the township that purportedly has remnants of gold and other precious metals.
Police in the area have also been accused of taking bribes to turn a blind eye.
"The allegation that police work in cahoots, we take seriously," said City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe.
"We are taking a phased approach; we will be going to close the holes."
Residents of Payneville who are mining here illegally are digging in their heels, refusing to stop.
They're adamant that this is their only source of income and their only means to survive.
- eNCA's Silindelo Sebata reports.