JOHANNESBURG - Illegal mining poses danger to people and infrastructure.
The Department of Mineral Resources maintains it's a criminal matter under police jurisdiction.
Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe reiterated the Department's position, saying police must take action against illegal mining activities.
Mantashe described the measures being taken against illegal mining, saying, "Mineral Resources is responsible for rehabilitation. Police are responsible for criminal activity. We coordinate those: they report in the same centre."
Concerns remain about abandoned mine shafts, rehabilitation and accountability.
Mantashe urged communities to work with law enforcement and the government to combat illegal mining activities.