BusinessLive reports that MPS were told last week that, unless problems bedevilling mining towns were tackled urgently, efforts to eradicate illegal mining operations and syndicates would soon be at a crisis point.  

This was said by officials of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) at a joint meeting of the parliamentary committees on police and mineral resources.  MPs were briefed on action being taken against illegal mining operations at surface mine sites and abandoned mining operations.  They were warned that problems in mining towns must be tackled urgently to avert a showdown with zama zamas (illegal miners).  It was said that illegal mining has left communities at the mercy of gangs, while the illegal miners remain vulnerable to deadly and unregulated mining activities at derelict shafts.  Illegal mining has hit towns in Gauteng, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State and most recently, Limpopo.  Hawks acting head Yolisa Matakata said the fight against illegal mining needed specialised officers and units.

• Read this report by Khulekani Magubane in full at BusinessLive

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page