Gauteng police have arrested two suspected illegal miners for alleged murder and another 10 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in Randfontein, West of Johannesburg.
Colonel Mavela Masondo, the Gauteng police spokesperson said Police were conducting an operation on illegal miners when they were notified about an act of vigilantism at Bhongweni in Randfontein.
“On arrival, police rescued two people who were being assaulted by people who are suspected to be illegal miners,” said Masondo.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the two victims were accused of shooting and killing another illegal miner in the early hours of the morning. Police arrested all twelve suspects and charged two with murder and 10 with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”
“The twelve suspects will also be processed by officials from the Department of Home Affairs as they are reported to be undocumented immigrants,” Masondo said.
The alleged illegal immigrants are expected to appear at the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court in due course.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Artisanal Miners (Naam) has called on the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources members to urge government to speed up legislation and decriminalise small-scale mining across the country.
Naam coordinator Papa Lethoko said small-scale miners condemn violence and crime and have partners with communities.
Lethoko said they have complied with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s requirements that they register cooperatives to be formalised but not receiving necessary assistance and support from either the department or the Mineral Council.
In July more than 80 suspected illegal miners were arrested after eight women were allegedly raped while they were recording a music video in Krugersdorp. The number of the arrested suspects increased to 120 as the police conducted multiple raids in the area.
Source: The Citizen, IOL, image from IOL
