Question no 866
Ms D A Schäfer (DA) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether the South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating reports (details furnished) alleging that children are being smuggled underground to have sex with illegal miners; if not, why not; if so, (a) at what stage is the investigation at present, (b) what steps will be taken to prevent this from occurring again and (c) what are the further relevant details;
(2) whether the perpetrators of these crimes will be charged; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
Reply:
(1) Yes.
(1)(a) The SAPS has formed a Provincial Task Team in Welkom to investigate reports of illegal miners and their illicit activities perpetrated in the mines situated on the Goldfields. The Task Team is involving a number of other parties like mine security, Department of Home Affairs immigration officials and the Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs officials in their investigations.
Subsequently, almost daily arrests of illegal miners are taking place since the formation of the task team. Further questioning of these suspects could not confirm that children are indeed smuggled into the mines specifically for the purpose of sexual abuse.
(1)(b) Mine security, supported by the SAPS, have implemented steps to prevent illegal miners from entering the mines.
(1)(c) Steps include more patrols, visible presence and heightened access control to the underground.
(2) Yes. Since 1 July 2009 when the task team was formed, one hundred and forty (140) persons were arrested of which only two (2) were juveniles. Charges range from attempted theft of mine property, trespassing, possession of stolen property to conspiracy to commit the afore-mentioned crimes. Illegal immigrants are deported on finalisation of their court cases.
Issued by: South African Police Service
7 October 2009
