Government steps up crackdown on illegal mining in Gauteng

The South African government is intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining across Gauteng, including East and West Rand communities, as part of a wider push to safeguard communities and the national economy.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, responding to concerns about illegal mining in Gugulethu and Sporong informal settlements in Randfontein.

“As a result, government is intensifying intelligence-driven operations under initiatives such as Operation Vala Umgodi. This includes the deployment of specialised units, disruption of supply chains, arrests of perpetrators and syndicate leaders, and seizures of equipment and contraband, in cooperation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to secure convictions,” Mashatile said.

Illegal mining is often linked to transnational criminal syndicates, illicit financial flows, undocumented migration, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. To tackle these threats, several government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and the Department of Home Affairs, are coordinating intelligence-led operations.

Mashatile also highlighted the 12-dimensional National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, aimed at curbing illegal activities in high-risk sectors, including illegal mining, fuel smuggling, and port-linked illicit trade. “Government has secured funding to commence the implementation of this programme, which includes targeted enforcement in high-risk sectors experiencing major revenue losses and entrenched syndicate activity, notably illegal mining, fuel smuggling, and port-linked illicit trade,” he said.

The South African National Defence Force has also been deployed to support police operations, enhancing monitoring and preventing the resurgence of criminal activity. “The President’s directive underscores government’s determination to confront these urgent challenges, and we appreciate his decisive leadership in this regard,” Mashatile said.

Corruption within SAPS is being addressed through strengthened oversight and operational reforms. Measures include the Anti-Corruption Task Team, technology-driven case management systems, enhanced whistle-blower protection, lifestyle audits, and forensic investigations. Specialised units, including the Anti-Gang Unit and Economic Infrastructure Task Teams, have been established to improve investigative capacity and crime scene management.

Further strengthening policing capacity, the government plans to recruit 5 500 additional police officers and enforce stricter firearm legislation. A special task team has also been directed to investigate criminality involving senior SAPS members following interim findings from the Madlanga Commission.

“These measures are supported by lifestyle reviews and financial disclosure analysis, including reactive lifestyle audits where allegations are received. Where serious allegations of fraud and corruption arise, forensic audits and criminal investigations will follow, and those found guilty will be prosecuted,” Mashatile said.