The FF Plus welcomes the police action taken against illegal miners (Zama Zamas) at Orkney last night even though it is unfortunate that people had to die to shine a light on the extent of the ongoing problem.
The police, in cooperation with local safety structures and security companies, took action against a group of 300 illegal miners who were trying to find a way to get provisions to their cohorts underground. The Zama Zamas had previously used explosives to open a sealed ventilation shaft to gain access to the mining shafts.
The group fired shots at the police and in the ensuing shootout, six of the Zama Zamas were fatally wounded. In the end, another 35 were arrested and charged with, among other things, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit crime and wilful damage to property.
It is alarming that the relevant mining company had, since Saturday, allowed hundreds of Zama Zamas to depart from the mine and even provided medical treatment to some without filing any charges against them. All while past events have shown that they return time and again to continue their looting and to harass the local communities.
Releasing violent criminals with impunity poses a serious threat to the Orkney community, which is frequently affected by crime.
Mining companies must file charges against all illegal miners and their cohorts so as to strengthen the hand of the authorities in combating this problem. That is the only way to successfully gain the upper hand over these criminal elements and bring them to the realisation that the country's laws must be adhered to.
Illegal mining activities in South Africa are getting out of hand and poses a serious threat to the economy and safety of the people.
The FF Plus will continue to put pressure on the authorities to ensure that the problem is addressed and combated by all legal means.
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