The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo calls on Premier Phophi Ramathuba to urgently intervene in the ongoing illegal sand-mining activities in the Vhembe District. This follows a shocking incident of physical intimidation against a Carte Blanche investigative team and the subsequent assault and intimidation of a farm manager who was assisting with the programme’s investigation into illicit sand mining.
What makes this incident even more alarming are allegations that family members or associates of Musina Municipality employee, Maria Munyai, may have been involved in the intimidation of the Carte Blanche team, as well as in the subsequent assault of the farm manager.
Equally disturbing are claims that police were initially reluctant to open a case of assault, raising serious concerns about possible collusion and the breakdown of the rule of law in the area.
The DA has consistently raised the alarm over the proliferation of illegal sand mining and the growing sense of brazen impunity with which it is conducted. We have also previously noted reports concerning Musina Municipality employee, Maria Munyai, who is alleged to have continued sand-mining operations despite a Polokwane High Court order.
It is increasingly difficult not to conclude that there exists collusion and a corrupt relationship between certain illicit miners, government officials, and possibly even political office-bearers who act as enablers. How else can one explain the brazen impunity — and the disturbing incidents set out above?
It is incumbent upon the Premier to act and to do so decisively. As the executive authority of the provincial government, she ultimately carries responsibility and accountability. If her pronouncements about promoting clean governance are sincere, now is the time to act regardless of who is involved.
The DA therefore reaffirms its call for a joint sitting of all appropriate Portfolio Committees of the Limpopo Legislature to investigate this scourge, and for LEDET, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to be summoned to account.
As a province, we have suffered the devastating consequences of state capture. Yet, while this systemic capture, repurposing, and corruption of the organs of government is now formally recognised as “State Capture,” we have yet to see a real turnaround. Instead, we appear to be witnessing the further criminalisation of government and the gangsterisation of our province.
The DA will continue to expose and challenge the criminal networks that profit from Limpopo’s natural resources at the expense of its people. We will not relent until those responsible whether officials, politicians, or their accomplices are held fully accountable.