Mining for Valuables a Cause for Sewage Spills

Contractors have been working overtime in the past couple of weeks to resolve a series of sewage spills between Kommetjie and Ocean View, which prompted numerous enquiries and concerns from residents -- the latest spills were caused by two sewage pipe collapses in Ocean View, which sent raw sewage into the stormwater system and the Bokramspruit.

The Homeowners Association (HoA) of Riverside Village confirmed that five sewege spills have occurred within the village since September, with several more between Ocean View, Riverside Village, and Klein Slangkop Estate. Blockages in the main sewer line cause sewage to dam up in Riverside Village Extension and overflow into stormwater drains, ponds, and eventually into nearby public open space and pathways. There is also an overflow along Kommetjie Road that directs sewage into the Bokramspruit.

Depot teams assisting on site last week were praised for their efforts, though they are "fighting an uphill battle" to prevent sabotage and stop foreign objects entering the system. Part of the issue is allegedly linked to illegal sewage sifting, where pipes are deliberately blocked to look for valuable

Part of the issue is allegedly linked to illegal sewage sifting, where pipes are deliberately blocked to look for valuables.

"A number of investigations have been done by the City of Cape Town and the civil contractors who installed the Phase 2 infrastructure," their statement said. "Camera inspections confirm the infrastructure is undamaged. Large foreign objects are blocking the main sewer line, causing repeated spillages. Additionally, there is evidence of deliberate sabotage for the purpose of 'mining', which has been handed to the City and SAPS."

The Riverside HoA noted that all incidents have been recorded with Sub-council and relevant department heads. A law firm, STBB, has been briefed and is preparing a communication to the mayoral committee.

The KRRA had also officially raised the issue with the City Sub-council following a spill at the beginning of this year. Authorities at that time said that overloaded pipes in Ocean View are a known problem, with upgrades budgeted for July 2026 to June 2027.

Following the most recent spills, the KRRA engaged with Councillor Simon Liell-Cock and CoCT personnel, and requested additional water testing on Longbeach, near the Bokramspruit mouth. Residents may have noticed unpleasant odours, but the low flow in the Bokramspruit appears to have prevented most of the spill from reaching Long Beach.

That notwithstanding, the KRRA has requested that water quality testing in the area between the river mouth and Black Rocks surf break be added to the CoCT roster of regular water quality test sites, and are awaiting guidance for any alerts or cautions that may be needed.

Officials have suggested that the sewage mining may be the work of just one individual. A local resident has coordinated with the KRRA and Cllr. Simon Liell-Cock to provide SAPs with evidence against the suspect. If it is just one individual, it will be a relief that these spillages can be reduced, if not brought to an end.

In the mean time, Komwatch and local security companies are on the lookout to apprehend anyone involved in mine sifting activities, so please report any suspicious activity near man hole covers to Komwatch, ideally with video or photo evidence.