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The Democratic Alliance in Matlosana will write to the South African Police Service (SAPS) North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant  General Baile Motswenyane, asking him to ensure that SAPS intervenes in the violence that has erupted as a result of Zama-Zama miners fighting for territory in Orkney near Klerksdorp.

The residents who live in the surrounding areas of Lourenspark live in fear as there are constant shootouts taking place at night. The sounds of bullets wreak havoc in the neighbourhood and has become a part of their daily lives, there are bullets that go through windows and walls of the surrounding houses.

When this Zama-Zama war started, AngloGold Ashanti Security tried to intervene, but without success.  The mining company poured concrete to cover the entrance of the shaft, this only lasted a short while before the Zama-Zamas broke through it.

The local police have tried to intervene but failed in their efforts, they claim that it is too dangerous to act at night and have requested that a high mass light be erected.

The DA will further engage all stakeholders, specifically the City of Matlosana, AngloGold Ashanti, the SAPS and the Department of Mineral Resources to establish a task team that will identify and establish a strategy to bring this illegal mining to a stop so that the residents can be ensured of their safety and security.

Residents cannot continue to live under fear and under threat as criminal activities remain unaddressed.

Issued by DA