Magwenya: Presidency concerned about ‘spike’ in illegal mining
The Presidency says it is concerned about what seems to be a spike in illegal mining activities, especially in Gauteng.
The president’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya addressed the media at the Union Buildings on Thursday.
Magwenya’s remarks come on the back of the recent discovery of five bodies believed to be those of illegal miners, who were killed during a shootout between two rival groups in Riverlea, south of Johannesburg.
The discovery sparked violent protests by community members who claim to live in fear due to illegal mining.
Following the protests, Gauteng police confirmed the arrest of 79 suspects in Riverlea.
Sixty-nine of the suspects were undocumented persons.
“There are concerns not only with illegal mining but the subsequent violence that seems to characterise these activities, the loss of lives that seems to be a feature around these illegal activities.
“We are equally encouraged, though by the progress that the SAPS are making in this regard. A number of arrests have been effected between April last year and March of this year. Close to 1 199 illegal miners have been arrested to date. A significant chunk of ammunition, vehicles, trucks, and tools were also seized.”
ALSO READ:
