The SACP has opposed the call to regulate illegal mining in South Africa and calling on the government to give South African Police Service resources to combat the growing scourge.

DON?T LEGALISE IT

SACP North West secretary Madoda Sambatha said police must be given resources to combat illegal mining.

"Let's take it from the background. Previously during the discovery of gold and diamonds and during the time of the apartheid system in the mining industry,

they were recruiting in South Africa and recruiting in the neighbouring countries and that was done formally by the establishment of TEPA Limited which was then a recruitment agency for the mining industry."

He said everyone that was recruited had proper documentation and legit processes were followed. "With the acceptance of their consulate from their state they would be brought into the country legally and would be agreed when they'll be coming or leaving South Africa."

IT WAS UNDER CONTROL

He emphasised that illegal mining should not be regulated by any form. "What must be done is that law enforcement agents must be allowed to do their job getting rid of illegal miners.They must be given resources that will make their job easier because they are dealing with dangerous and armed people," he said.