DA reiterates call for specialised police unit after two bodies discovered in an illegal mining shaft

Issued by Michael Sun MPL – DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety
31 Oct 2024 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite for Michael Sun MPL.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterates its call for the Gauteng Department of Community Safety to establish a dedicated police unit to fight illegal mining, or zama zamas, in the province. This specialised unit would conduct regular patrols, particularly at derelict mining sites, to deter criminal activities and safeguard vulnerable areas from becoming crime hotspots.

This comes after two deceased bodies were recently discovered in an illegal mine shaft near De Deur in the south of Johannesburg.

The grim location of their discovery, an abandoned mine shaft, once again highlights the law enforcement gaps in addressing illegal mining activities. Sites like these often-become havens for criminal activity, underscoring the urgent need for a focused strategy to tackle these “blind spots” and protect surrounding communities in Gauteng, where illegal mining is rampant.

The discovery of Cecilia and Hester Flemming’s bodies leads to the question of what other gruesome findings could be lying in these abandoned mine shafts.

The DA has long urged the Gauteng Provincial Government to establish a specialised unit to combat illegal mining, which endangers the lives of innocent residents. Although the government quickly responds to illegal mining-related incidents such as this through police operations, it fails to implement lasting and effective solutions. As a result, illegal mining kingpins are rarely apprehended and relocate their operations to areas with less policing.

The DA reiterates its call for the government to urgently establish a specialised crime-busting unit to effectively combat illegal mining and its devastating consequences. Premier Panyaza Lesufi needs to play an active role in this course rather than being a passive observer, especially since he has taken control of the Community Safety Portfolio, which frankly deserves a dedicated MEC to address the pressing safety issues faced by Gauteng residents.

The DA welcomes the questioning of three suspects by the SAPS, believing this crucial step will lead to swift arrests and justice for the victim’s family. Equally, effective action is needed to halt the escalation of farm murders and heinous crimes affecting communities.

A DA government would not have stalled in establishing a specialised police unit to tackle illegal mining. This unit would not only exist on paper but would be provided with the resources and firepower needed to end this scourge.

The DA remains committed and will use every opportunity to turn Gauteng into a safer province. We will continue advocating for measures to strengthen law enforcement presence where it’s needed most.

The DA offers heartfelt condolences to the Flemming family during this incredibly challenging time. We are committed to supporting them in their pursuit of closure and trust that justice will be delivered promptly.