Today, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel accompanied by Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Maggie Sotyu held a meeting in Welkom with representatives from National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Services, Legal Aid SA and Magistracy to receive a briefing on illicit mining activities in the area.
The Deputy Ministers noted the interventions made top combat illicit mining activities. They made it clear that this was a priority for the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
They emphasised the negative impact these activities have on both national and local economies as well as the danger posed by the high levels involvement by organised crime.
They commended all representatives for their efforts to root out illegal mining and further urged greater interaction between stakeholders. They also noted a number of challenges raised regarding the statutory, policy and operational frameworks within which they are working.
Following an intensified underground operation by the South African Police Services and Mining Security personnel, illicit underground mining activities in the Goldfield area were reduced. However, illicit mining activities started to manifest themselves on the surface, even though the underground illicit mining still continues to present challenges.
Of grave concern was the role of foreign nationals in these illicit activities. Out of 519 arrests made in November 2011 alone 419 are foreign nationals.
Enquiries:
Chester Mpane
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