Bapedi Kingdom wants court order against Zama Zamas enforced
The Bapedi Royal House in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, has taken steps to rehabilitate areas affected by illegal chrome mining and has brought in private security to help protect the Atok community and prevent further illegal mining.
The Royal House obtained a court order against the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Resources over its failure to stop illegal chrome mining in the Atok area.
The order effectively suspends the mining licence in question and empowers the Bapedi Kingdom to take steps to prevent illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, from operating in the area.
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It declares that the holder of the mining rights for the mine “failed to comply with the conditions of its mining right and with directives issued or enforceable in terms of section 93 of the MPRDA [Mining and Petroleum Resources Development Act] and terms and conditions contained in the mining licence or permit.
This week alone, several illegal miners, who are alleged to be undocumented immigrants from neighbouring countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Lesotho, were arrested
Communities in Atok have raised concerns about dangerous tunnels, open trenches and damage to infrastructure. Some of the tunnels reportedly run beneath homes and primary schools, posing serious safety risks to residents.
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Lehumo Lesufi, a resident who has lived in the area for 21 years, illegal mining has brought fear to her doorstep.
Lesufi says illegal miners told her that her house was “on their line” and obstructing their work before they began digging close to her property.
“I fear for my children’s lives. They always stay indoors and play when I am at home,” she said.
Chief Maafeefee Thobejane of the Mafefe Traditional Council, who was representing the Bapedi Kingdom, says rehabilitation of the area could cost not less than R50 million.
“We want to close all the holes and trenches in the area so that our people can live freely and safely because many people have died because of illegal mining,” said Thobejane.
