There's no reason to stoop to these levels of despicable banditry

POLITICAL and union leaders yesterday reacted with shock at the underground massacre of alleged illegal miners at Aurora Mine on the East Rand and have called for a speedy probe into the killings.

The ANC described the killings as "senseless".

While omitting to mention that the mine is owned by President Jacob Zuma's nephew and Nelson Mandela's grandson, the ANC blamed mine management.

"The mine management and the responsible security company should have sought the assistance of the South African Police on suspicion of crime being committed in their mine, rather than shooting at first instance. We appeal to our law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter with the urgency it deserves," said ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu.

President Zuma said the "brutal slaying is a tragedy".

"The president has learnt with shock and disbelief and sadness the reports that there was such a tragedy that has taken place because of illegal mining activities. He is confident that the authorities involved will be able to investigate and that an answer will be given soon of what led to that," Zuma's spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said yesterday.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa's spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said the minister had no comment. He referred Sowetan to the Gauteng police commissioner, who referred all calls to Colonel Noxolo Kweza on the scene.

Mines Minister Susan Shabangu declined to comment.

Cope spokesperson Phillip Dexter said Shabangu must launch an independent and transparent investigation.

"Aurora Mine has not complied with the law in the past, yet the department of mining gives them wide latitude. That is unacceptable.

"The fact that Aurora is owned by Zuma's nephew makes no difference, the law must apply consistently," said Dexter.

Cosatu general-secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said he was "appalled" at the story.

"Aurora is the same company where for over ten months workers have been paid piece-meal by the company led by Khulubuse Zuma and Zondwa Mandela.

"They were left to fend for themselves in filthy hostels with no electricity and water and depended on upstream water contaminated with mine acid," Vavi said.

"Cosatu does not condone illegal mining, but even if the people killed were involved in illegal mining that in no way justifies the brutal response allegedly meted out by the security guards."

The National Union of Mineworkers has called for an urgent and thorough investigation.

NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said yesterday: "NUM calls for an urgent investigation into these allegations and whether or not these were indeed illegal miners."

Gauteng community safety MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu said in a statement: "There is absolutely no reason to stoop to these despicable levels of banditry.

"The urgent need to rout criminality, even in the mining sector, can never justifybestiality.

"Should it be confirmed that some among those with maintaining law and order have in fact participated in such reprehensible acts, the police must ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended."