Reports of criminal activity, territorial disputes, and security lapses have raised alarm among local workers and residents.

Local waste pickers, who rely on recycling for their livelihoods, claimed they’re being displaced and threatened by groups of undocumented immigrants, primarily from Lesotho, who allegedly dominate the site and engage in illegal activities.

Waste recyclers at Mangaung’s southern landfill site fear for their lives as they claim a takeover by illegal Lesotho nationals. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

The Free State provincial government and law enforcement agencies recently ramped up efforts to address illegal activities, including unlicensed motorists and undocumented foreign nationals, through initiatives such as the Arrive Alive campaign. More than a thousand arrests have been made since the campaign’s start.

The challenges persist, however, particularly at the landfill site near South Park cemeteries, where undocumented immigrants from Lesotho allegedly dominate waste-picking activities, leading to conflict, insecurity, and criminal enterprises.

Speaking to OFM News, Mpolokeng Mokoaleli (59), who’s been working at the landfill site since 1992, recounted how it’s transformed into a battleground. “We don’t work peacefully anymore because of people from neighbouring countries.

Mpolokeng Mokoaleli (59)  raised her children working as a waste picker for more than three decades. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“They’ve taken over and fight among themselves for power. Last year alone, five bodies were collected from this site. They shoot each other, bully us, and bring unlicensed firearms.”

Mokoaleli further claimed that drugs, alcohol, and weapons are being smuggled into the site at night, despite municipal security at the entrance.

Female waste pickers feel threatened by illegal Lesotho nationals who have now allegedly taken over their duties at the southern landfill site. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi.

Puleng Mojake (27), a waste picker from Hillside View, described how unsafe the site had become, especially for women. “They swear at us, threaten us with guns, and do as they please. Cars deliver drugs and alcohol at night, and security doesn’t even bother to check what’s being delivered. We’re not safe.”

The landfill site has a history of violence. Last year, two brothers were nearly killed during an attack by four unknown men after driving to the site to dump garbage. Police, in collaboration with the municipality and other law enforcement agencies, have conducted several raids at the landfill, but locals say these efforts have fallen short.

“(Foreign nationals) hide in nearby bushes during the raids and return once authorities leave,” said Mokoaleli, calling for stricter security measures and the enforcement of access cards for legitimate waste pickers.

Residents and waste pickers have repeatedly appealed to the municipality to address the escalating violence and lawlessness. However, they claim no permanent solutions have been implemented.

This past weekend, 36 undocumented people were arrested at a roadblock on the R30 linking the Free State, Gauteng and North West.

OFM News attempted to speak to some of the undocumented foreign nationals on-site, but they declined to comment. Mangaung Metro has been contacted for a comment.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg