Randfontein Herald reports that the West Rand District Mining Forum aims to assist in curbing illegal mining activities in the Randfontein and Krugersdorp areas.  

Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, the West Rand District Vispol commander, highlighted the importance of a forum having been established to look into the challenges brought on by illegal mining in Randfontein and Krugersdorp.  She indicated that the purpose of the forum was to assist in curbing illegal mining activities in the area and that a meeting with mining companies has already been held.  Selepe commented further as follows:  “Illegal mining brings a range of social ills, as it presents a serious risk to the safety of the surrounding communities.  Illegal miners tend to use extremely environmentally unfriendly refining methods and materials such as explosives, which also put their lives and those of the community at grave risk.  We cannot address this challenge alone, thus collaboration is key.”  She went on to indicate:  “Illegal mining and organised crime are connected.  Very often, illegal mining is spearheaded by people who are indirectly involved in illegal activities themselves, thus the use of vulnerable groups such as undocumented foreign nationals, commonly known as zama zamas.”  A total of 389 suspects were arrested during joint operations conducted by police in the West Rand District, government departments, external stakeholders and other law enforcers over the past weekend.

• Read the full report in the above regard at The Citizen

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