The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, has warned that illegal mining in Bapong, North West, will not be tolerated, citing serious threats to the safety, health, and livelihoods of local communities.
Videos of illegal mining activities in the area have been widely shared on social media, prompting public concern over the growing danger these operations pose to both residents and infrastructure.
Masemola confirmed that immediate and decisive intervention measures are being implemented.
“We are enhancing and heightening our crime-fighting operations to deal decisively with illegal mining activities,” he said.
Authorities will deploy additional officers on the ground, including crime intelligence operatives, members of the Hawks, detectives, and tactical units to prevent and combat illegal mining.
An integrated, multidisciplinary intervention team has also been established under PROVJOINTS and NATJOINTS. This team includes officials from SAPS, the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources (DMRE), the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Masemola stressed the illegality and dangers of these activities:
“What is happening here is illegal and highly detrimental to the environment, including water sources, and poses a serious health and safety risk for our communities. Minerals legally belong to all South Africans, and lawful mining can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and community development. Anyone mining without a permit from DMRE is committing a crime.”
He says the intervention team is already on the ground, conducting daily compliance inspections, disruptive operations, and search-and-seizure actions at identified illegal mining sites. Masemola also highlighted that arrests will be made where necessary.
“We remain committed to working closely with our communities and key stakeholders to put an end to these illegal and dangerous activities,” he said.
Progress will be monitored through weekly reports to ensure that short-term operations align with long-term strategies aimed at eradicating illegal mining and restoring safety in Bapong.
Saturday Star