Sporong community celebrates permanent police presence after illegal mining crisis
The residents of Sporong informal settlement on the West Rand have breathed a sigh of relief after Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, announced a more permanent police presence in the area ravaged by zama zamas.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The community of Sporong, near Randfontein on the West Rand, has welcomed the latest interventions by the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, following their visit to the area on Wednesday.
The acting minister and the premier were also in the company of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola.
The latest intervention, following initial short-term interventions, which included dedicated nyalas, night patrols, and community collaboration, has brought relief to over 600 residents who were previously displaced by illegal mining activities.
Community leader Elsie Mokobane shared her relief on behalf of her community on Thursday.
"We are happy with the permanent arrangement that has been made by the acting Police minister. This new arrangement means a lot for our safety and that of our children."
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has ordered a long-term police intervention in Sporong informal settlement, following an invasion by illegal miners in the area.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Adding to the community's joy, Mokobane revealed Lesufi’s commitment to enhancing the scholar transport system, thereby enabling children to attend schools outside the township.
"What is even more satisfying is that the premier has also committed to the scholar transport system that will allow our children to attend school outside the township," she added.
Mokobane added that efforts are being made to relocate residents who qualify for Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing, with at least 40 families having already benefited from this resettlement to dignified housing.
"Yes, we can confirm that the issue of RDP housing is also being attended to, as we have 40 qualifying families who have already been relocated. We are hopeful that more community members will soon find themselves in better living conditions."
During Lesufi’s previous visit, short-term measures were implemented to stabilise the area. These included deploying nyalas and additional police officers to ensure the safety and security of residents.
As part of longer-term interventions, nyalas and SAPS members will now be deployed permanently.
In recognition of the community’s vulnerability, night patrols will also be conducted by SAPS members in collaboration with local community patrollers.
"As part of longer-term interventions, nyalas and SAPS members will now be deployed permanently. In recognition of the community’s vulnerability, night patrols will also be conducted by SAPS members in collaboration with local community patrollers,” said Kamogelo Mogotsi on behalf of Cachalia.
A woman, displaced from the informal settlement of Sporong by the ongoing unrest between the community and a group of zama zamas, shakes her blanket at the Randgate Community Hall in Randfontein, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, where the displaced took refuge.
Image: Marco Longari / AFP
Residents returned to their homes after a distressing two-week period spent at the Randgate Community Hall in Randfontein, where they were forced to stay due to increased violence and lawlessness.
They reported that fear of attacks by illegal miners in the area had forced them to abandon their homes and flee to Randgate, more than 20km away from their homes.