Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed support for the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to the province to aid police in addressing illegal mining activities.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment during his State of the Nation Address in Cape Town last week, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and the need for a coordinated response to dismantle organized criminal syndicates that threaten local communities and the rule of law. The committee has consistently raised concerns about the damaging effects of illegal mining in the region.
During a recent oversight visit to the Bekkersdal Police Station, the committee encountered alarming reports of illegal miners, known as zama zamas, who have been intimidating residents and committing violent crimes. These activities have reportedly forced over 600 families in Randfontein to flee their homes due to escalating violence, with many seeking refuge in community halls.
The committee emphasized that illegal mining is not an isolated issue but a deeply entrenched criminal enterprise that endangers lives, destroys infrastructure, destabilizes communities, and undermines public confidence in the state's protective capabilities. They called for a more aggressive, integrated, multi-agency approach to effectively tackle this menace.
In this context, the SANDF deployment is seen as a vital and overdue measure, which the committee has advocated for. They believe this action will significantly enhance law enforcement efforts, restore safety and stability in affected areas, and convey a strong message that criminal activities will not be tolerated in Gauteng.
The committee is committed to monitoring the implementation and impact of the SANDF deployment and will work with various government levels to ensure that Gauteng is freed from the grip of illegal mining, enabling communities to live without fear, violence, and intimidation.
