Mineral Resources committee welcomes illegal mining syndicate arrests
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources welcomes what it believes to be a breakthrough after a three-year intensive investigation into illegal mining syndicate – the arrest of two suspects.
“We believe that a successful prosecution of the suspects would reaffirm our long-held view that illegal mining is a deep rooted activity, in which rich people with resources and connections in high places might be involved,” said Mr Sahlulele Luzipo, Committee Chairperson.
According to media reports, the Hawks arrested suspects yesterday after raiding two houses at a plush estate in Kempton Park, Gauteng. They are also reported to have confiscated illicitly mined gold and 3000 IDs belonging to people who are already dead, pointing to fraud amounting to R400m.
Mr Luzipo reiterated that mining as well as trading with mineral resources were strictly regulated activities in South Africa and anyone found operating without a permit would face the full might of the law.” Although we hope it is not true, but our view is that to a larger extend illegal miners are probably conniving with those who are in a formal trade. As such, we hope that this investigation could unearth more syndicates and bring perpetrators to book, especially the kingpins who stand to benefit out of the proceeds of illicit activities,” said Mr Luzipo.
The accused will appear in court on Monday, 1 June 2015, to face a number of charges including money laundering, racketeering, forgery and various tax offences. Mr Luzipo will attend the court hearing.
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