MBOMBELA – Illegal mining with miners attacking and killing each other is still a cause for concern at several mines in the province, especially the old mines in Evander, Secunda and Embalenhle.
Recently six miners were killed after a clash between two rival groups at Evander. Five of them died on the scene while one died on his way to hospital.
“Seven others were admitted to hospital following an exchange of gunshots but have all since been discharged,” explained Brig Selvy Mohlala, spokesperson for the police in the province.
He said police would be monitoring the illegal mine in Evander after the violent clashes in which a taxi driver was hit by a stray bullet.
Mohlala confirmed that police were aware of the clashes between the illegal miners who apparently operated in groups and resided in informal settlements, mostly around Embalenhle. These groups apparently go underground in shifts and fights usually ensued when the one group tries to prevent the other from mining.
Last month an illegal miner was killed at Evander during one of the fights and seven others were arrested in connection with murder. Two of them were released on R1 000 bail while the other five co-accused were denied bail because the court feared that they might flee the country as they originated from neighbouring countries.
Mines in the Lowveld region were also not spared from illegal activities, especially those around Barberton.
“We do receive complaints from our mining companies about illegal mining activities which are common in the area. A lot of these activities usually take place at Agnes Mine,”explained Const Tutu Nkosi, spokesperson for Barberton Police.
An operation conducted by members of the police last Thursday resulted in the arrest of an illegal miner.
“We also received information about a location where illegal miners kept their equipment. We raided the place and found grinders, drills and a Phenduka grinding machine which they use to refine the gold. We seized all the items,” she said.
Nkosi said they would continue with their operation to ensure that all illegal miners were arrested. No instances of illegal mining had been reported from Komati Mine on the outskirts of Badplaas.
