Illegal mining affects Winkelhaak Mine

The Evander Gold Mine is concerned about the high increase in murder and crime believed to emanate from illegal mining at Winkelhaak Mine.

Mr Band Malunga, general manager, has tabled a report to the National Portfolio Committee of the Department of Mineral Resources on how illegal mining is affecting the mine.

He said mine employees are threatened by the crime, because some illegal miners are often found underground.

“We are in the process of upgrading our systems in terms of controlling underground access.

“We believe the intervention by the Department of Mineral Resources will help us deal with the matter.”

The Department of Mineral Resources’ National Portfolio Committee is expected to visit the Evander Gold Mine soon.

Five illegal miners were rescued and arrested at the Evander Gold Mine on 2 June.

According to the police, the illegal miners illegally entered the mine on 2 May.

It is alleged that they rented access cards from mine employees.

The body of a man suspected to be from Lesotho, was found near Winkehaak Mine on 16 July.

It is alleged that there was a shooting incident the previous night among Basotho foreign nationals.

Police said the clothes of the man was covered with dust and they suspect he was involved in illegal mining.

A case of murder was opened and the deceased has not yet been identified.

Motorists and commuters have raised concerns over the matter.

They said it seems as though illegal mining is no longer a crime, they are often seen in taxis and hitchhiking on the eMbalenhle/Graceland Road.

“It is really unsafe.

“I recently had a flat tyre next to the Winkelhaak Mine and a group of them were nearby.

“I was very scared,” said a motorist.

“Fortunately my husband came quickly to help me.

“If they are able to kill one another almost every week, how safe are we?

“Government and national police must intervene to help us.”