Government clamps down on illegal mining

Progress has been made in stopping illegal mining on the West Rand, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said on Thursday.

 

"We have made progress -- 135 people have been arrested and some have been prosecuted."

 

She was in Matholesville, near Roodepoort, to report back to residents about progress made in curtailing illegal mining.

 

A bakkie was impounded when it was found transporting sand believed to be related to illegal mining.

 

"We have challenges. When you stop illegal mining in one area, illegal miners move to another area."

 

Shabangu said the police were using horses and helicopters to monitor areas where access was difficult.

 

"They have moved to areas which are not easily accessible.... That they have moved means we are on the right track."

 

She said the police had destroyed tables along the Main Reef road where illegal mining business was conducted.

 

Illegal miners were also diverting water meant for residents to their mining activities.

 

"You now have water because illegal mining have been reduced."

 

Shabangu said the country was losing R4 million to illegal mining.

 

Women involved in illegal mining would be arrested, even those carrying babies on their backs.

 

"We will arrest you and hand your child to welfare," she warned.

 

A man identifying himself as Tebogo told Shabangu that he was an illegal miner commonly known as zama-zama.

 

"There is nothing wrong with illegal mining. I am one of them I went underground. Zama-zamas do not stress. They do not commit crime," he said.

 

"Will the government provide us with food or job if you stop us from going underground?" he asked.

 

Shabangu told him that he should stop mining illegally.

 

"Continue with illegal mining we are going to arrest you and put you in jail, you will rot in jail."

 

She said those arrested for illegal mining would not pay a fine and be released, but would be sent to prison.

 

"Those who are illegal in the country will serve their sentence and be deported once they complete the jail term."

 

She told residents that illegal mining would eventually be stopped.

 

"We stop it in Barberton, Mpumalanga and in the Free State. We have made a decision to stop illegal mining."

 

Shabangu said illegal mining had declined since her last visit to illegal mining activities spots on the West Rand on July 10.

 

-Sapa