WATCH: Illegal mining in Benoni: Operation Close the Holes is here
The miners have been issued with a letter stating the government's intention to end their operations.

The illegal mining activities plaguing Golden Drive and other areas of Benoni for years look set to end.
According to SAPS deputy district commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela, the SAPS has joined forces with the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMR) to identify and seal illegal mine shafts in Benoni.
The illegal mining operation, called Operation Vala Mgodi (Close the Holes), will begin on Monday (January 27) and end by March 31, said Machakela.
“The police will safeguard these illegal shafts, allowing the necessary machinery to access and seal the sites. During this period, the police will work closely with the DMR to ensure the identified areas are secure.”
Contractors have been appointed to close the holes and shafts.
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A letter, written in five languages, seen by the Benoni City Times and issued by the DMR to inform illegal miners before the operation takes hold, reads: “These holes are a danger to public safety. We intend to close these holes. You are hereby notified that all illegal mining activities are to stop immediately. The department hereby notifies you of these actions, and all illegal mining devices or equipment will be confiscated.”
Initiative welcomed
Benoni residents have long been vocal about the hazards posed by illegal mining, which have resulted in environmental degradation and safety risks.
The SAPS hope the tactical response, which includes strangling supplies to and from the surface, will force zama zamas to abandon their underground activities and leave them with no choice but to surface.
Further operations will involve safely closing shafts, ultimately leading to the complete rehabilitation of the affected areas.
Benoni CPF chairperson Dr Reza Patel welcomed this move, “Information about this operation was shared with key stakeholders during a Benoni SAPS station meeting on January 22, with procedures, responses and objectives highlighted.
“Before the operation could come into effect, a directive from the Department of Justice to inform and educate suspected illegal miners about Operation Vala Umgodi had to be carried out. With all the protocols adhered to, units were given the go-ahead.”
Patel said the alarm bells about illegal mining in Benoni first rang in 1996.
“In the past 29 years, illegal activities have increased substantially. Further, the CoE’s infrastructure has come under attack, with street and traffic lights being vandalised, stripped and stolen.
“We are cautiously optimistic that the illegal mining activities in Benoni will finally come to an end,” he said.

Be on the lookout
Patel urged Morehill, Rynfield, Mackenzie Park and Kingsway residents to remain on high alert throughout the operation’s duration.
“It is no secret that illegal miners are armed with explosives and high-calibre ammunition. With mounting pressure on them, we expect they will do everything in their power to evade arrest and deportation. Some might flee into neighbouring suburbs.
“The CPF and security companies will do everything in their power to protect the community. Community members and motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible and not to engage with suspected zama zamas.
“Report any suspicious persons to the SAPS 10111 emergency call centre.
“A venue operational command centre has been established, and calls relating to criminal activities linked to this operation will be directed to the commanding officer on duty.”
Humanitarian
Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph said residents in her ward have petitioned against illegal mining since 2022, and she is pleased a petition with over 13 000 signatures was submitted to the national government and is finally getting just attention.
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“It is a relief to see that this situation, which poses significant security risks to residents and has led to crucial municipal infrastructure being damaged, compromised and stolen, is being decisively addressed,” she said.
Residents actively reporting blasting and gunshots coming from Golden Drive through the MySAPS app put added pressure on the government to take action, Joseph said.
“These mining activities have plagued our city for far too long. While I welcome the operation’s implementation, I would like to highlight that although the zama zamas’ activities are illegal, certain humanitarian aspects must be considered.
“Not everyone working underground does so willingly. I hope the miners will heed the operational team’s commands, thus guarding against preventable loss of life.”
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