Mchunu in Stilfontein to hold roundtable discussion with community leaders and activists
Two weeks ago, Mchunu met with local authorities and community leaders as Operation Vala Umgodi was intensified to clamp down on illegal mining in the North West.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: SAPS/x
JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has arrived in Stilfontein, where he is set to get the latest on the impasse between law enforcement and illegal miners on Friday.
This is Mchunu’s second visit in as many weeks.
Two weeks ago, Mchunu met with local authorities and community leaders as Operation Vala Umgodi was intensified to clamp down on illegal mining in the North West.
The minister is set to hold another roundtable discussion with community leaders and activists on the matter this hour.
Mchunu is locked behind closed doors with provincial officials, local authorities and the team of mining experts leading the rescue operation.
This is the first time Mchunu will get a full picture of the team's work since it was appointed.
The operation – which has been subject to litigation – has seen police cut off food, water and medical supplies to the illegal miners in a controversial move to force them back to the surface.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Council of Churches are also among the organisations expected to comment on the situation this afternoon.
The HRC had already launched a probe into police conduct almost two weeks ago.
Scores of community members and relatives of the illegal miners underground have also started to arrive.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu meets with provincial leaders, local authorities and community leaders in Stilfontein amid the ongoing rescue operation at a nearby abandoned gold mine. https://t.co/uXcSXqwPdx
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 29, 2024