By Simon Nare
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has appealed to Stilfontein residents in the North West to approach the Mineral Resources Department to get permission to mine lawfully instead of embarking on illegal operations.
Mchunu was speaking to residents shortly after touring the area around the disused Buffelsfontein gold mine where hundreds of illegal miners are trapped.
He told community members on Friday that the department had artisanal programmes, which he urged them to explore.
It is believed that hundreds, possibly thousands, of illegal miners are trapped underground following the police blocking off shafts so that they no longer receive their food supply.
Community organisations have appealed for help, warning that some are starving to death.
Mchunu’s visit follows Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni causing a stir when she told the media on Wednesday that the government would not help “criminals” and the aim was to “smoke them out”
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