Crackdown intensifies on illegal mining in Randfontein and surrounding areas
Mohlakeng, Toekomsrus, Bekkersdal, and Westonaria, to get boosted SANDF and police security against illegal mining.
Rand West City Local Municipality has announced the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) across several communities in the West Rand to support ongoing crime-fighting initiatives and strengthen security in the area.
According to the municipality’s spokesperson, Phillip Montshiwa, the deployment is part of a broader national effort to assist the police in tackling serious crime, particularly illegal mining activities and related violence that have affected parts of the West Rand.
Montshiwas said the SANDF will work alongside police and other law-enforcement agencies to conduct patrols, visibility operations and targeted interventions in various communities within Rand West City.
Areas expected to see an increased security presence include Randfontein, Mohlakeng, Toekomsrus, Bekkersdal and Westonaria, which have been identified as hotspots linked to illegal mining and other criminal activity.
“The operation forms part of a co-ordinated effort between national, provincial, and local authorities to curb the activities of illegal mining syndicates who have been linked to violent crime, illegal firearms, and infrastructure damage in parts of the West Rand,” said Montshiwa.
Some residents welcomed the deployment.
Claudia Mokene, from the Sporong informal settlement, said, “We have been eagerly waiting for the arrival of the soldiers in our community because we have been living in fear for months now.”
Also read: Tighter controls and raids planned to stop zama zamas in Randfontein
However, not all residents agreed with the measure.
Themba Mhlogo questioned the need for military involvement.
“The police have different units in their division, from their stability unit to their tactical unit. Are you telling me all those units are useless in dealing with crime? Deployments within the country should be for police; the army should be deployed in cases outside the country.”
Montshiwa urged residents to co-operate with law-enforcement authorities and report any suspicious activities to the police’s Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111.
