Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison Jackie Macie has strongly condemned a shooting incident involving suspected illegal miners that forced the temporary closure of the R539 through Schoemanskloof yesterday (September 29).

The closure in Mashoboto, near Schoemanskloof, disrupted traffic in both directions, causing severe delays for motorists and logistics operations.

In the wake of the disruption, the body of a man suspected to be an illegal miner was discovered in the area this morning (September 30).

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the discovery and said police are investigating.

Macie expressed deep concern over the incident, warning that such unlawful actions severely impact the province’s economy.

ALSO READ: Body of suspected illegal miner found near Schoemanskloof

Call to target mining syndicate kingpins

“Road closures are bad for business and bad for tourism. We cannot allow such barbaric acts to thrive. They tarnish the image of our province, discourage potential investors and instil fear in our communities,” said Macie.

He commended provincial law enforcement’s active deployment under operations Vala Umgodi and Shanela, but emphasised that pressure on illicit mining networks must be raised.

He said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster is executing intelligence-driven operations in the region to dismantle syndicate networks and urged vigorous pursuit of all those involved in illegal mining.
“We must arrest not only the zama-zamas on the ground, but also the kingpins behind these operations, regardless of who they are.”

ALSO READ: VIDEO: Alleged illegal miners open fire on N4 in Schoemanskloof

Public urged to report illegal mining

Beyond immediate security risks, Macie highlighted the broader ecological and economic fallout of unregulated mining, noting its role in environmental degradation, pollution, and severe threats to local agriculture and food security.

He urged anyone interested in mining activities to follow official legal procedures through the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, illegal mining operations, or related criminal activities is urged to contact the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip via the My SAPS app.