“The situation was completely unforeseen and it is disturbing as, when lives were lost last year, we hoped it would be a thing of the past,” said mayoral spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
He added that he hopes the efforts by the department of minerals, with a contribution from Ekurhuleni, will go a long way in making sure the battle against illegal mining is won.
“The mayor encourages police to work around the clock to make sure perpetrators are brought to book,” said Dlamini.
The mayor has asked for members of the public who wish to contribute to solving mining issues to come forward and help to end the loss of lives.
The DA has also condemned what it calls gangs of illegal miners, who are terrorising the New Modder community.
“During the past few weeks a number of illegal miners lost their lives in what appears to be a turf war between rival groups,” said Michele Clark, DA Gauteng spokesperson on community safety.
“It now appears that this violence is spilling over into residential areas, putting the lives of innocent people at risk..
She recommended that more police officers should be deployed to the area, to ensure the safety of residents.
“Provincial commissioner General Lesetja Mothiba and community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane need to face the reality that it is a war zone in Ekurhuleni, before there are any unnecessary casualties,” said Clark.
