The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced plans to report Kenny Kunene, Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for remarks he made regarding illegal miners.
EFF blasts Kenny Kunene in fiery statement
Kunene’s comments, made during a televised panel discussion and on social media, have sparked widespread condemnation.
In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, Kunene shared an image of skinned goats hanging on a rope, captioning it with a chilling message likening the scene to the fate he believes should befall illegal miners.
The EFF, in a statement, characterised his comments as “sadistic and dehumanising,” and accused him of using xenophobic rhetoric to gain electoral support.
“This is the lowest form of political opportunism, inspired by xenophobia and a pathological infatuation with genocide,” the EFF said.
The party reiterated that Kunene’s remarks, particularly in light of the tragedy at Stilfontein, were reckless and harmful, given the broader social tensions around immigration and illegal mining activities.
Kenny Kunene doubles down on comments about illegal miners
Kunene has stood by his controversial statements, labelling illegal miners as criminals responsible for economic harm and broader societal issues.
Speaking on Newzroom Afrika, he stated:
“I have no sympathy for those who have died stealing the wealth of our country. They are criminals who must face the consequences of their actions.”
He also linked illegal mining to organised crime, referencing incidents of violence, including gender-based violence, in areas such as the West Rand, Ekurhuleni, and the Free State.
Kunene suggested that those involved in illegal mining should face severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and eventual deportation.
Kunene’s remarks come on the heels of Operation Vula Umgodi, a large-scale crackdown on illegal mining in Stilfontein, North West.
The operation uncovered hundreds of deceased illegal miners in abandoned shafts, with hundreds more arrested and facing charges or deportation.
