NCOP
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER 313
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 SEPTEMBER 2010
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 24)
313. Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Whether any security measures have been put in place at disused
mines to prevent illegal miners from gaining access to these
mines; if not, why not; if so, (a) what measures, (b) when were
these measures put in place and (c) how were illegal miners able
to access a certain mine (name furnished) in Springs;
(2) whether her department will hold owners of the said mine liable
for the deaths of illegal miners who were shot and killed in
August 2010; if not, why not; if so, what action will be taken
against the said mine owners? CW408E
REPLY
1) (a), (b) In terms of the legal provision, it is the responsibility of
the mine owners to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent
access to mine. However, the SAPS are engaged where there has been
illegal access as this is being regarded as a criminal act.
(c) This is a criminal matter and the SAPS are currently conducting an
investigation.
2) This is a criminal matter and the SAPS are currently conducting an
investigation.