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The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources has welcomed the arrest of 13 men suspected of illegal mining activities at a derelict mine previously owned by Harmony Gold in Welkom, Free State.

After visiting the mine on Friday morning, Chairperson of the Committee Mr Sahlulele Luzipo, has discovered that two more bodies were brought to the surface, in addition to the 29 recovered on Wednesday. The Committee has extended heartfelt condolences to families and friends.

“We would like to wish the rescue team well in their quest to recover all the remaining bodies. We also appeal to those who were arrested following the explosion, as well as others with information, to work with law enforcement agencies in order to expose the ring leaders,” said Mr Sahlulele Luzipo, Chairperson of the Committee.

The Committee is of the firm view that the root cause of illegal mining is an existing illicit market, where connected and resourceful ring leaders operate unabated.

Mr Luzipo has called on the investigating agencies to strengthen their capacity to be able to deal with the root cause of illegal mining.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources, Mr Sahlulele Luzipo