The site, associated with fatal drownings and ongoing safety concerns, has again drawn scrutiny from political leaders and residents. During an oversight visit by Free State MPLs and the National Council of Provinces, provincial DA leader Roy Jankielsohn expressed alarm over the quarry’s long and controversial history of ownership changes.

Speaking to the media, he questioned how the repeated transfer of the property has seemingly shielded its owners from accountability. 

“It’s interesting how this property has changed hands over the years, and in one instance, the property was sold for only R100, and that company made a profit by selling it for several million rand.”

Accountability

“It seems like by selling the property, people are also selling off the accountability. The people who should be held accountable for the rehabilitation of this area have sold the property, and it’s been resold on a number of occasions, and each time the accountability for what has taken place here has been shifted to a new owner.”

Thursday’s auction in Johannesburg raises new questions about the site's future. It would be “interesting”  to see who the new owner will be, he said, and he expressed hope they would do “something positive” with the property for the community.

Heidedal residents have long raised the alarm about the danger posed by the quarry. According to reports, approximately 50 people have drowned there over the years.

Community frustration intensified after the latest tragedy involving Benjamin van Wyk, 20, whose body was recovered after a week-long search last month.

Van Wyk would have turned 21 on Christmas Day. His mother described him as a “gentle, well-mannered child” who greeted everyone and treated them with respect.

‘Failing to protect residents’

Mangaung councillors have accused the metro of failing to protect residents from the recurring tragedies at the site. They have demanded urgent steps to secure the quarry, including fencing, improved monitoring, and community safety interventions.

They also called for the reopening of the local swimming pool, long seen as a safer alternative for young residents who currently turn to the quarry’s waters despite the risks, insisting the lives of Heidedal residents must be valued and protected.

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OFM News/Keketso Mosebetsi dg