The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, has issued a stern warning that the South African government will no longer tolerate foreign nationals who disregard the country’s laws.
Modise, along with other ministers from the Justice Crime Prevention and Security cluster, briefed the media on Friday morning regarding the progress made in combating organised crime, particularly illegal mining.
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Over the past twelve months, there has been a growing concern over the increase in illegal mining activities in parts of Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga.
These illegal miners have been terrorising communities and committing various violent crimes, including murder, rape, and causing damage to infrastructure through underground gas explosions.
Modise announced that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has been assigned the task of conducting a thorough threat analysis of all mining-related activities, which the government considers a threat to national security.
To date, 4,067 suspects have been arrested on various illegal mining-related charges. Most of these suspects are foreign nationals originating from countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, the DRC, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda.
Modise highlighted that the individuals wreaking havoc in the Gauteng and North West mines are trained soldiers from neighbouring countries.
As the Minister of Defence, she emphasised the importance of discussing with counterparts the behaviour of trained soldiers outside their countries and the necessary actions that need to be taken against those who act in countries that are not their own.
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Addressing the government’s decision to name countries of foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in South Africa, Modise defended the action.
She stated, “As ministers of South Africa, our priority is the lives, property, dignity, and safety of South Africans. We must take a firm stance against any foreign nationals who enter this country with the sole intention of breaking our laws.
“We are urging the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, to carefully scrutinize and prioritize the necessary actions that need to be taken.”
