By Doreen Mokgolo
The DA in Gauteng is demanding Premier Panyaza Lesufi investigate the death of seven illegal miners who died during Operation Vala uMgodi at the Daggafontein mine dump in Springs on 26 August.
During the raid, several miners, mostly illegal foreign nationals, sustained severe burn wounds when law enforcement officials set the reeds covering the swamp next to the mine dump on fire to force the miners out.
Many of the miners – commonly referred to as zama zamas – jumped into a swamp in an attempt to evade arrest, and it is believed some of them may have drowned.
The operation, which aims to curb illegal mining nationwide, was carried out by police officers, soldiers from the South African Defence Force, and Ekurhuleni metro police.
DA Gauteng MPL Michael Sun said the party was demanding that Lesufi, responsible for the community safety portfolio in the province, thoroughly investigate every aspect of the incident.
“If law enforcement agencies are found to have misused their authority, consequences should be imposed on the responsible parties to ensure justice is upheld,” Sun said.
“We will also table questions to Lesufi to ascertain what transpired and if this incident was preventable.”
Sun added the tragic incident reflected concerns regarding the conduct of the police in areas plagued by illegal mining.
“Allegations of police corruption, harassment and brutality are unfortunately all too common where the incident took place in Daggafontein.
“We have been calling for a specialised and professional police unit dedicated to tackling illegal mining across the province.
“This incident underlines the urgent need for such a unit within the police to ensure a lawful and professional approach to addressing this crisis,” he said.
Pictured above: Illegal miners scaling mine dumps in Springs.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
