Minister of foreign affairs and international relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, says there are no confirmed reports of Basotho illegal miners being trapped underground in an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, North West, South Africa.
SA media reports say an estimated 4 000 illegal miners were initially trapped and an unconfirmed number later rescued. They were immediately apprehended by the South African police.
Mpotjoane informed parliament yesterday thatalthough Basotho nationals have been reportedly engaged in illegal mining activities in the neighbouring country, there were no confirmedreports of Basotho nationals involved in the incident, he said.
He noted that the government will continue to seek more reports from South African authorities.
“The government of Lesotho hopes that South African authorities will find a lasting solution to curb the illegal mining activities.”
Mpotjoane added that Lesotho does not condone these kinds of acts and calls upon the private sector to work with the government to generate jobs for Basotho so that they remain in the country.
