The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the recent successful action taken by law-enforcement agencies against illegal gold miners (Zama Zamas) in the vicinity of Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest.
The party believes that its persistent pressure contributed to moving this issue to the top of the provincial agenda. The Freedom Front Plus directed official correspondence to the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Khensani Jackie Macie, repeatedly raised the matter in the Provincial Legislature and also discussed it personally with the MEC on two occasions.
According to the official police report (Mpumalanga Suspects Illicit Mining Feedback Report – 22 February to 13 October), these operations have dealt a severe blow to the criminal syndicates. During the operations, more than 300 suspects were arrested on charges including the illegal possession of gold-bearing material and mining equipment, possession of explosives and violating the Immigration Act.
A large quantity of equipment was also seized – including 120 phendukas (gold grinding tools), generators, water pumps and metal detectors. Much of it was destroyed on site.
In addition to the equipment, the police and the defence force seized illegal firearms, ammunition and commercial explosives. Several vehicles transporting gold ore on the R40 and R532 were impounded, and large sums of cash were confiscated.
Another important breakthrough is the confiscation of large quantities of mercury and cyanide, which have already contaminated local water sources – including the Mgwenya, Komati and Blyde Rivers – as well as historical heritage sites.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep a close eye on the situation. Follow-up action is crucial to stop illegal mining activities from continuing unchecked and jeopardising Mpumalanga’s communities, heritage and local economy.
