MEC: Stability restored following KZN ‘gold rush’
The provincial government in
KwaZulu-Natal has called for calm following a gold rush in Machi,
Harding.
There has been heightened tensions between residents fighting over the rights to mine following the discovery of what is believed to be gold in the area.
The provincial MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental affairs, Sihle Zikalala, says there is no proof that it is in fact gold.
“The area is not known to be having gold. In terms of studies there is no proof there is gold in the area.
“A number of people were injured in this process.”
He says local residents need to follow the correct procedures when ‘mining’ and won’t be allowed to do so illegally.
On Monday reports emerged that community members are allegedly forcing children in the area to illegally mine and sell the stones.
Zikalala says they visited the area on Monday to educate the community about illegal mining.
The Department of Mineral Resources will conduct studies on the stones to determine if it is in fact gold.
[LISTEN]: