Theft, illegal mining, and trafficking of precious metals are not just local issues but international problems, as highlighted by Hawks head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya. During a visit by delegates from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to the Sibanye-Stillwater mine, Lt-Gen Lebeya emphasized the importance of the mining industry to the economy, while also acknowledging the threats it faces from violent attacks and theft.
To combat these challenges, the Hawks have partnered with the mining industry and various government departments to implement a public/private partnership. Through their efforts, they have identified transnational organized crime syndicates as the perpetrators behind these illegal activities. This realization led to the adoption of the 2019 Economic and Social Council resolution, seeking international support to address illegal mining on a global scale.
The visit by the UNODC delegates was a crucial step in understanding the challenges faced by the mining industry and finding solutions to mitigate them. Lt-Gen Lebeya urged international cooperation to protect the industry and create a safer environment for all involved.
TimesLIVE
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