Mr Chairperson, theft from South African gold mines currently funds international terrorism and human trafficking. This leads to the involvement of Interpol, International Criminal Police Organisation, due to the fact that money leaves South Africa and leads to global money laundering operations of international propositions.
On a national level, costs to curb illegal mining by mining companies have been rising. Illegal mining is on the increase in mines throughout South Africa, with miners illegally entering mining operations, thereby endangering the viability of mining companies.
Criminal syndicate leaders should be targeted and special police teams be assigned to the task of eradicating criminal mining. The fight against illegal mining should be approached with better information systems and special task teams from the police to fight syndicate bosses. It is important to note that illegal miners are doing the dangerous work in the mines while syndicate leaders receive the lion's share.
It is in the best interest of all parties, including government, mining companies, the community and illegal miners to take drastic steps to put an end to this growing problem. Thank you.