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The DA remains deeply concerned about the ongoing hostage situation at the Gold One Modder East mine in Springs. Reports now indicate that, allegedly, medics sent to assist the miners held hostage have also become victims of this crisis and are also being held with the miners.

This is an unacceptable and deeply troubling development, and it further highlights the urgency of this situation.

It is distressing to learn that the crisis shows no signs of abating, and law enforcement appears to be absent in effectively addressing the ongoing hostage situation.

The safety and well-being of the miners, medics, and all those affected must be the top priority.

The absence of law enforcement presence in this situation is deeply concerning. Supposedly, the reason for the absence of law enforcement is due to the fact that they have not been trained, which is an indictment on the failure of SAPS and the absence of specialized units.

It is an indictment on the Minister of Labour, Minister of Police and Minister of Mining that they remain silent and absent in this crisis. The DA calls on them to break their silence and absence, do their jobs and resolve this crisis.

Issued by Ashor Sarupen MP - DA Constituency Head for Springs, Brakpan and Nigel