Pretoria - The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources has condemned the alleged shootout between illegal miners at an old mine near Daveyton, in Gauteng.
This after the shootout was reported in the media on Thursday.
“We condemn this kind of behaviour with the strongest contempt it deserves. These reckless shootouts not only put the lives of the community at risk, but they also result in unnecessary loss of lives,” said Committee Chairperson Sahlulele Luzipo.
Luzipo said the violence exacerbated the situation of illegal mining in the area.
“This means there is a possibility that at least two crimes are being committed – the use of illegal firearms and illegal mining,” he said.
Through its oversight visit to the derelict mines in Gauteng last year, the Committee learned with dismay about the alarming rate at which illegal mining activities in the province were taking place.
The Committee further made an assessment that people who were involved in illegal mining disrespected the rule of law.
However, the Committee remains confident that a partnership between law enforcement agencies together with the community could end these illegal activities.
“Although we call on the Department of Mineral Resources to fast-track the closing and sealing off open shafts at derelict mines, we also appeal to all our law enforcement agencies to double their efforts in investigating the main ring leaders and masterminds who continues to trade in illegal gold,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
