Save The Children has called for people who have taken minors to be part of illegal mining at a Stilfontein in the North West to be prosecuted.

This after police confirmed that 14 minors were arrested for illegal mining, 13 from Mozambique and one from Zimbabwe.

Gugu Xaba, CEO of Save The Children South Africa says the South African government has been engaging neighbouring countries about the concerns that have migrants coming into the country.

“In this case you have a child that is trafficked, it could have been trafficked by a syndicate, it could have been trafficked by the people that are working underground because they want cheap labour. All those are concerns that must be discussed by both countries. Government in each country is clear about the kind of work that can be done by a minor who is below 18 years and cannot be done. So, all that is communicated, no one doesn’t know about it. Employers know about it so in this case because there is illegal mining you are bound to have illegal practices.”

Meanwhile, Xaba has lauded the government for having the right departments in ensuring the wellbeing of these children involved in illegal mining activities.

“As Save the Children we appreciate the fact that we have different government departments that are involved and it’s the right departments. We know that assessments have been done so that we understand the physical, emotional and mental status of those particular children. And then we can be able to provide the necessary support to those children. They are in a place of safety right now, there are social workers that are working with them to get to understand their state and be able to immediately provide the necessary care that those children need.”