Presidency raises concerns over mining violence

PRESIDENCY - The Presidency says illegal mining and related violence is concerning.

READ: Illegal mining | Zama zamas fight back

Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the office is happy with the progress the police are making in tackling the issue.

Communities in illegal mining hotspots say zama zamas are terrorising them.

He said, "there are concerns not only with illegal mining but the subsequent violence that seems to characterise this activities, the loss of life that seems to be a feature in this illegal activities…we are encouraged by the police services progress in this regard, number of arrests have been effected between April of last year and March of this year, where close to 1,199 illegal miners have been arrested and significant chunk ammunition, vehicles and tolls have been seized…we are certain the police will continue acting in this regard.”