News24Wire reports that according to Department of Resources and Energy (DMRE) Minister Gwede Mantashe, most illegal miners cannot be classified as "small fish" because they themselves violate a number of laws, including being in the country illegally.

In response to a parliamentary question from Economic Freedom Fighters MP Dumisani Mthenjane, Mantashe said his department was assisting the police in combating illicit mining activities. "The investigation of organised crime resides with the South African Police Services and not DMRE. The investigation of the so-called 'big sharks' is the responsibility of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation Unit (DPCI) which investigates the organised crime element in illicit mining offences. The investigation is being conducted by SAPS and the Department provides technical support," Mantashe advised. He went on to state: "We should also not forget that those that have been charged with the heinous crime against the young women of our country in West Rand are these so-called 'small fish', and they are not small fish but hardened criminals." The women were raped by illegal miners while filming a music video at a Krugersdorp mine dump. Mantashe also indicated that his department had finalised the artisanal and small-scale Mining Policy of 2022 in line with the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly

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