Number of illegal miners at Osizweni Development Centre becomes uncontrollable
“These people were stealing from us day and night. We have lost a lot.”
The number of illegal miners are increasing daily and they becoming uncontrollable at the Osizweni Development Centre.
This has left business owners operating in the area with no choice but to vacate the premises, which will have a huge impact on their businesses.
The Zama-zamas began invading the area in March.
Since then no one has been arrested, though the police claimed some were arrested.
There are however no records to substantiate their claims.
A business owner, Mr Herman Marx, said he has lost confidence in the police because they are failing to deal with the crime happening in broad daylight.
He said the police are always saying they must do something about this, but nothing is done.
“I had no choice but to move my business to another premises. It is sad, because it will also affect my employees.”
Mr Marx said his workers used to walk to work, but they now have to pay taxi fares.
“I am very angry, because if the police cannot protect us, who will?
“It is unbelievable that people are committing crime and still get away with it.
“These people were stealing from us day and night. We have lost a lot.”
Mr Marx said the estimated value of the loss is more than R300 000.
Mr Velaphi Gumbi, Osizweni Development Centre’s general manager, said the illegal miners are demanding the right to mine.
He said business owners are naturally terrified and concerned and property and stock are being damaged in the process.
Brig Leonard Hlathi, provincial police spokesman, said the province and the national police are working on strategies to tackle the problem of illegal mining in the area.
“This is a national problem and we are working round the clock to deal with it.
“We will also intensify police visibility in the affected areas.
“The provincial commissioner has established a task that will be working closely on the matter.
“In the meantime, we urge the community to help the police to fight any form of crime.”
- For free daily local news in the South, visit our sister newspapers Highvelder, Standerton Advertiser
- For more news and interesting articles, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram
