Maseru ___ The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Matjato Moteane made a statement in the National Assembly with regard to trapped illegal miners in Stilfontein, North West South Africa (SA).

Addressing the House on Monday, the Minister allayed fears of Basotho, indicating of the alleged 4000 illegal miners also known as zama zamas allegedly being trapped while others are being saved and taken to Police, they have not received reports of involved Basotho.

"We are following up on the matter and as soon as we discover that a certain portion of Basotho are involved here, we will act accordingly". He stressed.
Minister Moteane also affirmed that to this stage, humanitarian assistance is being given to these Zama zamas as some are in need of food, others medical help amongst others.

He stipulated that the government is making this statement upon realization that in cases such as these ones, Basotho often become part of the statistics.

Meanwhile, during questions session for clarity in this matter, a Member of Parliament, Mrs. Mamookho Phiri said now that the government has no information about the numbers of Basotho affected thus far, she does not understand the intention of the statement.

Other questions related to human rights matters as it is said that the Minister in the Presidency - SA has alluded that they would not be giving food to criminals instead are ready to take them to task, a matter many felt was not right.

Zama zamas are said to be illegal miners in SA who occupy operational or closed mines to mine minerals such as gold, iron or coal.

The Agency has established that currently, the House has now resolved itself into committee to discuss the Children's Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill, 2023.