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File image | An illegal mining site
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is calling on the Economic Development Department to take action against illegal gold mining at farms between Polokwane and Mokopane.
DA spokesperson on economic development Jacques Smalle says armed illegal miners are destroying farms, cutting down fences and irrigation pipes.
Smalle says farming communities are no longer feeling safe.
The department and police are yet to comment.
Smalle says the situation is getting out of control.
Smalle emphasises that farmers and their families in the region report that their lives, farming operations and livelihoods are under threat from armed forces.
“The situation is spiraling out of control and escalates from time to time into violent and deadly conflict between rival Zama Zama groups. The DA calls on the Limpopo government to act without delay; mobilise the necessary resources across government, stop illegal mining, restore law and order,” says Smalle.
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