POLICE have warned people in and around the Gold Ridge area to refrain from going near the mine site.
Acting Police Commissioner, Juanita Matanga issued the caution following reports that locals are continuously roaming around the Gold Ridge mines areas, without considering the dangers and environmental impacts last week’s flash floods may have on them.
“I call on everyone in and around the Gold Ridge area to stay away from the mine sites.
“At this stage the area and its surroundings are not safe. There can be chemical spills in the river, the grounds which are hazardous to lives.
“Therefore no one is to roam around the premises until such a time when the area and its surrounding are declared safe,” Ms Matanga said.
She also warned that those that do not heed to Police advice will be dealt with by the law.
The acting police chief added that at such a time, people much work alongside Police in ensuring that everyone stays safe.
“I urge the people to heed to Police and AFP advice in keeping out from the area until everything is calm and again safe.
“Those that refuse to abide by such simple instructions will be dealt with accordingly,” she said.
Since the flooding last week, the Police Response Team (PRT) had been manning the mines after employees had fled the area.
Ms Matanga said that the PRT so far done a great job in looking after company properties and securing the area.
“I thank the PRT for the tremendous job of securing the area and company properties during the flash floods, following the vacation of the area by its work force,” she said.
Meanwhile the Australian Federal Police (AFP) landed in the country on Wednesday night to take over manning the mine site.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
