By Interim Committee for the North Wedy Moral Regeneration Movement Chapter
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West called for intensified effort to rid communities of illegal mining operations commonly referred to as the Zama Zamas.
This follows the discovery of 14 bodies and scores others injured who were reportedly retrieved from a disused mine at Nkaneng settlement near Marikana.
It is believed that the walls of the disused mine caved in while the group of zama zamas were underground.
Some others are also suspected to be still trapped underground.
”Illegal mining slaughter fields must be closed because one life lost is a life too many.
This catastrophic outcome has once again exposed how poor and desperate individuals are lured underground by ruthless criminal syndicate to their horrific deaths through falsehoods as well as deceit and without regard for their safety and lives,” highlighted Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee.
The civil society led organization promoting the Charter of Positive Values that includes upholding of the rule of law, improving material well-being, economic justice, protection of the environment as well as sound community values conveyed condolences to families that are mourning the deaths of their loved ones.
Kgwele called on authorities not to leave any stone unturned until those behind the illicit operation are held accountable.
The real masterminds at the helm of the illegal mining value chain responsible for this human carnage must be unmasked and ultimately put behind bars, he added.
“The mining sector and business investments must be mobilized to come on board in support of government’s effort to earnestly kickstart a comprehensive programme for rehabilitation of abandoned and disused mines,” he underscored.
Kgwele underscored that Operation Vala Umgodi must be followed through with implementation of the artisan and small-scale mining initiative for the benefit of locals without further delay.
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