Mr David Msiza gave a presentation on the illegal mining. He indicated that the illegal mining activities in Gauteng Province mainly occur in the Far East Rand, Ekurhuleni, Central Rand, West rand and Far West Rand. Illegal mining adversely affects the health and safety of the mine employees, communities and illegal miners as it is in the past resulted in a significant loss of life mainly as a result of underground fires, fall of ground accidents and murder. It has a negative impact on the country's economy and results in a significant loss of revenue for the state and the mines. According to a 2007 study it was found that close to 10 % (i.e. R5.6 billion) of gold production is stolen and smuggled out of the country. Mr Msiza reported that factors fuelling illegal mining included national and international organised crime syndicates which are targeting the mining sector. They are highly organised, dangerous, well financed and complex. They take advantage of mine closures and liquidations with consequential job losses especially on derelict mines. The majority of the people doing the digging are from outside South Africa, most come from Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. They use proceeds from the illegal mining and asset theft for furtherance of other crimes including murder and many robberies. The miners have explosives, some of which are smuggled in from Zimbabwe. The syndicate activities fall within the framework of Prevention of Organised Crimes Act (POCA).