The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has lifted the veil for South Africans who once believed that illegal miners were the primary problem. While zama zamas undeniably contribute to the crisis, just last week, the SAPS arrested four undocumented foreign nationals in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, for contravening immigration laws and possessing suspected gold-bearing material and equipment. The deeper issue lies in the corridors of power.

Top officials not only enable these criminal activities but often mastermind them, exploiting vulnerable individuals to do their dirty work while attempting to keep their own hands clean.

This reality was underscored by the arrest of Major-General Feroz Khan (Crime Intelligence) and Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa (Gauteng Hawks head), alongside businessman Tariq Downes. They face charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening legislation regulating precious metals. All three were released on R20,000 bail each after appearing at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

The involvement of such high-ranking figures highlights why Africa, despite its vast mineral wealth, continues to lag. Instead of driving national progress, corrupt officials prioritise personal gain, siphoning resources that should fuel development.

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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.

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In his weekly newsletter, released after the Armed Forces Day commemoration in Limpopo on Saturday, 21 February 2026, the President addressed growing public debate around the military’s role in domestic operations. The deployment follows his announcement during the State of the Nation Address that the SANDF would assist the South African Police Service SAPS in combating illegal mining and gang violence in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

A decision rooted in history and responsibility

Ramaphosa acknowledged South Africa’s painful past, where military force was misused during apartheid. He emphasised that any modern deployment must be grounded in constitutional principles and clear necessity.

“Given our history, where the apartheid state sent the army into townships to violently suppress opposition, it is important that we do not deploy the SANDF inside the country to deal with domestic threats without good reason.

This recent deployment has become necessary due to a surge in violent organised crime that threatens the safety of our people and the authority of the state.

That is why the SANDF will be deployed in support of the SAPS, operating under police command, with clear rules of engagement and for specific time limited objectives.”

The President explained that during the mobilisation, soldiers may “provide protection in high-risk operations, or to support cordon and search operations against armed criminals.” They may also secure critical infrastructure, allowing SAPS officers to focus on investigations and prosecutions.

Importantly, the SANDF will operate under police command with defined objectives and a limited timeframe, reinforcing that this is a support mission and not a militarisation of law enforcement.

Coordinated crackdown on organised crime

The deployment forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks. In addition to military support, government is strengthening anti-gang units and illegal mining task teams. SAPS is also working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority in multidisciplinary teams targeting the leadership structures, finances, firearms and logistics of organised crime syndicates.

This coordinated approach signals government’s determination to restore safety and reinforce the authority of the state in areas hardest hit by violent crime.

A helping hand beyond security

The SANDF’s role extends far beyond crime fighting. Over the years, it has supported South Africa during national emergencies and development initiatives.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, the SANDF enforced disaster regulations, safeguarded borders, supported anti-crime efforts and established field hospitals. More recently, in floods affecting parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, soldiers assisted with evacuations, infrastructure repairs and temporary shelter construction.

Through Project Owethu launched in Limpopo during Armed Forces Day, the SANDF delivered healthcare services to more than 50,000 people in underserved communities. Its Welisizwe Rural Bridges initiative has improved access and connectivity for rural residents, while border operations continue to combat smuggling and illegal crossings.

Strengthening the defence force for the future

President Ramaphosa acknowledged financial pressures facing the SANDF but confirmed that government is working to close funding gaps and enhance operational readiness.

Applications have opened for the 2027 Military Skills Development System, offering young South Africans training opportunities across the army, air force, navy and military health service. The initiative aims to rejuvenate the force while equipping youth with valuable skills.

Reflecting on the SANDF’s formation in 1994, the President underscored its transformation from an instrument of apartheid repression into a constitutionally accountable, diverse defence force committed to democratic values and international humanitarian law.

“As we work together to overcome the challenges facing our armed forces, let us not lose sight of their immense contribution to building a democratic nation in which all our people are safe and secure,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

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