Protest action against illegal mining in West Rand may spark acts of xenophobia

5 August 2022

The South African Police Service (SAPS) must hold those responsible accountable for stoking violence in the West Rand.

The community protest in West Rand has been stoking violence in the area. We demand that the police must investigate what led to one death and those implicated must face the full mighty of law.

The community’s concern around illegal mining in the area is valid, however, it is unacceptable that the protest action has turned violent.

The DA respects our resident's right to protest, but this must be done within the rule of law and should not turn violent.

Ultimately the damages incurred by the municipality will only lead to less money being available for basic service delivery.

Furthermore, these protests only lead to xenophobia which often sees innocent lives being lost.

The DA will be directly engaging with the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko regarding the issue of Zama Zamas and illegal mining on the West Rand so that a workable solution can be found.

Issued by Evert Du Plessis, DA Constituency Head- West Rand, 5 August 2022