THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has accused the government of allowing zama zamas to disrupt Mzansi.
This comes after five people died at Zamimpilo squatter camp in Riverlea, Joburg, during a gun battle between illegal mining gangs on Saturday night, 29 July.
EFF provincial chairman Nkululeko Dunga said that the zama zamas were continuing with their illegal operations because there's no political will to end it.
"The EFF has always maintained that there is no political will or strategy from the police to respond to crime, especially the crimes involving illegal miners.
"And we strongly believe this because the police leadership is compromised in these wars, hence these criminals carry heavy weapons in public without fear, and the police force is led by cops who have no courage to deal decisively with criminals," he said.
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He said that Police Minister Bheki Cele is incompetent and should have been fired a long time ago.
Dunga accused Cele of always arriving at the crime scene late, to pose for cameras and make empty promises.
He said that the minister promised to send tactical units to shut down illegal mines, yet communities in Riverlea, Daveyton, Kagiso and other areas across the country are at the mercy of thugs.
“The EFF calls for the removal of Cele as the minister of police because with him at the helm, criminals have become more confident and shameless in conducting their criminal activities."
Dunga said that the police and the Department of Minerals and Energy must restore public confidence by stopping zama zamas from operating and not negotiate with them.
"The department and the police must show resolve in dealing with illegal activities in the mining industry and not surrender this responsibility to the community," he said.
The DA also condemned the government for allowing the criminality to escalate.
Michael Sun, Gauteng Deputy Caucus leader, said the concerns of communities have fallen on deaf ears.
"The DA warned government last week that illegal mining in Riverlea will lead to more blood on their hands, and it now has," he said.
Sun said the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), lacks the necessary resources to combat the highly organised and armed illegal mining syndicates operating within the city. DA in Joburg had previously written to government, to request urgent intervention.
"The issue goes beyond mere gang shootouts. Illegal mining causes significant damage to infrastructure, with electric cables stolen, sinkholes forming, and bulk water pipes are destroyed to support the illicit mining operations," he said.
