‘Mining companies should take the blame’ – ANC about illegal mining in the West

The ruling party has pointed fingers at mining companies across the West Rand, blaming them for the district's illegal mining problem.

To date, hundreds of illegal miners have been arrested in the District in the wake of the tragedy in West Village on July 28 when a film crew was attacked and eight women were raped. This past weekend Police Minister Bheki Cele said the rape victims had identified some suspects.

ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Nomvula Mokonyane slammed mining companies on the West Rand, saying they should be taking the blame for the illegal mining activities in the different communities.

She was addressing angry protesters outside the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on August 10 where 61 of the 80 illegal miners arrested and charged in terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 recently were set to appear.

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Mokonyane acknowledged that illegal mining was a problem on the West Rand.

The blame should be on existing mining houses. They’ve exploited the mineral resources and left us with the mine dumps.

“They’ve also brought in labour from foreign countries and when they shut down operations they don’t send the workers back to their countries of origin. Now, people believe this is black-on-black violence,” said Mokonyane who added that the recent protests were nothing but a stand against criminality.

She also called on locals to go to the Chamber of Mines to air their frustrations with regards to illegal mining in the area, and she lambasted the Chamber for its silence on the matter.

ANC National Executive Committee member Nomvula Mokonyane outside the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on August 10.

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