UPDATE: Brakpan police urge patience as Mgongo illegal mining allegations are investigated
After community protests erupt over suspected illegal mining operations, Brakpan police state that the matter involves multiple authorities and will take time to resolve.
Brakpan police have responded to allegations made by community members of the Mgongo informal settlement that police are turning a blind eye to illegal mining in the area.
As reported by the Brakpan Herald, residents of the Mgongo informal settlement took to the streets yesterday (Wednesday) to protest what they describe as the invasion of their land by zama zamas.
The protesters set fires, and barricaded Location Road with rocks and other objects. It was alleged in a document, authored by unknown persons and circulated before the protest, that the land is currently “illegally occupied by thugs in the form of a so-called company”.
This issue was raised at the SAPS stakeholders meeting in May, where a claim was made that land rehabilitation projects are being used as a cover for illegal mining activities with the permit holders digging holes for the zama zamas.
Police gave their assurance at the meeting that this would be investigated and they would consult the relevant authorities involved.
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The author/s of the document claim local leaders have attempted to stop this operation but have been failed by law enforcement authorities.
It is stated that they have come to believe that there is a serious need for a thorough investigation into why local police authorities are justifying this mining operation on municipal land.
Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS communications officer and Sector 1 manager, told the Herald the issue involves different municipal departments, including the DMR office.
“The company that is active at that site produced some documents claiming they are permitted to rehabilitate in the area,” she said.
“As we are not experts in the mining field, the documents are to be forwarded to other relevant departments for confirmation.
“It will not be an overnight thing. The community needs to practice patience and allow investigations to reveal the truth.”
