“The ongoing senseless illegal mining related murders that continue to bedevil our area are giving us sleepless nights and seem to be escalating,” he said.
“Just this weekend, the municipality had to assist with the burial of several victims of these senseless killings.”
He said the illegal mining activities call for an urgent and aggressive attention from the city.
“On many occasions, these seem to have an element of xenophobia, which can not be allowed in a city that is a major player in the socio-economic environment of Africa,” said Gungubele.
Durning the response to the mayors address, on Thursday, the United Democratic Movement demanded that the mayor makes sure unused mine shafts are closed to deter illegal mining activities which lead to unnecessary killings.