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An illegal mining site in North West.
Bapong community members in the North West province say they are living in fear following the discovery of illegal mining operations in the area.
The illegal activities have caused dangerous holes filled with water near their homes, raising serious safety concerns.
Community members say the situation has become life threatening, with some reporting tragic incidents.
One of the residents, who asked to remain anonymous, describes the fear gripping the community.
” The incident that happened in the past weeks was terrifying. Some people collapsed into the ground where the illegal miners had been digging, but we still don’t know exactly how it happened, we just heard people screaming. These miners dig inside other people’s yards. When the incident happened, we were inside the house and only realised something was wrong when we heard the screams. We now live in fear. Community members managed to rescue four survivors, but sadly one person died after being trapped under the soil.”
Meanwhile, Deputy National Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili says police are working with stakeholders to help curb the deadly surge in illegal mining.
She revealed that the deployed security personnel circulating on social media are legitimate.
“We remain committed to addressing all acts of criminality associated with illegal mining and ensuring that government and all affected communities work together. These private security officials that can be seen on those pictures are actually valid security officials with valid accreditation. They have been appointed by Baboba Bam Mali to assist in stopping the illegal mining activities that have already led to the loss of lives. We also have learned that some of these illegal miners are forcing house owners out of their homes and they want to take over.”
