The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources has welcomed the arrest of 19 men at the weekend, accused of illegal diamond trading and money laundering.
Furthermore, in line with the Kimberly Process, which sought to stem illegal trading of diamonds, the Committee hopes that, if convicted, the 19 men will receive harsh sentences.
Over a three-day strategic planning Lekgotla that took place from 22 to 24 August 2014, the Committee identified the illegal trading of minerals including gold, diamonds and platinum as a matter of concern to the country.
Committee Chairperson Mr Sahlulele “Zet” Luzipo said that in the fifth Parliament the Committee will give attention to these kinds of illegal dealings, as well as illegal mining. “We will ensure that the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) treats this matter with the extreme urgency it deserves. DMR is the only institution constitutionally mandated to issue trading licences, and it is incumbent upon it to conduct oversight over all traders in order to identify and curb illegal dealings and non-compliance,” Mr Luzipo said.
The Committee also undertook to heed to the ruling by Judge Jake Moloi in the Supreme Court in the Free State, which called on Parliament to enact a law that would include harsh punishments for those found guilty of illegal mining, as these activities have seen the emergence of gangsters and led to the loss of many lives.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Justice Molafo
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8444
Cell: 078 865 0135
E-mail: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
