By Thapelo Molefe
Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene has called for military intervention to combat illegal mining in Johannesburg, saying zama zamas were responsible for widespread damage to roads, businesses and municipal infrastructure across the city.
Kunene made the remarks on Monday during an oversight visit to several infrastructure sites in Region C and F, including Roodepoort, Witpoortjie and Selby, where roads have collapsed and sinkholes have formed due to illegal underground mining activities.
The oversight visit included officials from the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the South African Police Service and private security personnel.
Addressing the media at one of the affected roads in Roodepoort, Kunene said illegal miners had effectively made some areas inaccessible to municipal workers.
“JRA can’t fix this road because of the zama-zamas. When JRA comes here to work, zama-zamas start shooting,” Kunene said.
He said illegal miners were operating underground
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