Stop illegal mining, urges Ramatlhodi

Johannesburg - Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi on Monday warned communities to refrain from illegal mining activities after the bodies of eight illegal miners were found at a gold mine in Benoni.

"It is not only dangerous, but can lead to incidents such as this one," he said in a statement.

Ramatlhodi said the department would implement measures to ultimately eradicate illegal mining.

"The measures include the sealing off of access holes, and working with law enforcement agencies to apprehend criminals."

The bodies of illegal miners were found at a gold mine on Saturday and Sunday by security guards.

The guards found several cartridges near the bodies.

Police were looking for those responsible for the killing.