Chairperson, I move without notice on behalf of the DA:
That the Council -
1) notes with concern the apparent inability of the authorities to deal effectively with the "zama zama's" [illegal miners] and the illegal mining problem in the Matjhabeng, Free State, goldfields area;
2) further notes that many of these individuals are also illegal immigrants who are responsible for other crimes such as cable theft, which affects service delivery;
3) acknowledges that the greatest cause for concern is that murder has significantly increased in the area: in Welkom from 25 to 47 murders, in Thabong from 52 to 62 murders and in Henneman from 3 to 6 murders;
4) therefore calls on the South African Police to work closely with other departments such as Home Affairs, Minerals and Energy and Environmental Affairs to deal with the so-called "zama zama" [illegal miners] and illegal mining problems; and
5) recognises that mining companies such as Harmony Gold must also be held accountable for their responsibilities towards rehabilitation and security at mines after the closure of shafts.
Motion agreed to in terms of section 65 of the Constitution.