In recent days, desperate messages shared on social media painted a picture of a community living in fear. Residents claimed illegal miners, so-called zama zamas, were operating openly and with impunity.

“We are under siege. There are illegal mining operations everywhere, and the people guarding them are heavily armed,” one distressed resident said. “Please help us.”

Community members also allege homes were being demolished to make way for illicit mining activities, leaving families displaced and traumatised. 

Some residents also claimed they were too afraid to leave their houses or report incidents to the authorities due to fears of violent retaliation.

After visiting Bapong on Thursday (11/12), police strongly dismissed the narrative circulating on social media platforms. “I repeat, those posts are misleading and false.

“Those private security officials you see in those pictures are actually valid security officials with valid Psira accreditation. They have been appointed by Bapo Ba Mogale to assist in stopping the illegal mining activities that have already led to loss of lives,” said Natjoints chairperson Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili.

Before meeting the tribal council, police conducted a fact-finding mission that revealed the extent of the damage caused by illegal mining.

“It’s quite disturbing where these illegal mining activities are taking place, homes are caving in, there are no longer roads, and they are even digging next to the graveyards.”

“This is really posing a safety and security threat to our communities’ livelihoods. We have engaged (them), and they have expressed their concerns that their lives are at risk.

“Issues of illegal mining activities are quite complex and dangerous in nature because these are often undocumented and heavily armed criminals, but we have managed to put a stop to these ongoing activities across the country.” 

In the 24 hours before Thursday’s visit, three illegal miners were arrested and ten excavators, along with other illegal mining machinery, were seized.

Cooperation with traditional leadership has been key, Mosikili said. “On 30 October, the tribal council, led by Kgosi Henry Mogale, appraised the leadership of the police service that they would lead from the front by preventing ongoing illegal mining activities.

Tribal council

“The Kgosi did indicate during that meeting the tribal council would be appointing a private security company to assist with ensuring they put a stop to the illegal mining activities.”

News Junction recently reported African Precious Metals (CAPM), which operates mines in the North West, warned staff about illegal miners at its Orkney gold operations.

A source told the them some employees had allegedly been supplying zama zamas with food, prompting the company to ban certain food items from being taken underground. Another source alleged illegal miners were infiltrating shafts disguised as employees and stealing gold.

Assistance to illegal miners

The company warned any form of assistance to illegal miners including providing food, logistical help, or aiding access would result in dismissal, blacklisting, and possible criminal prosecution.

In its warning letter, CAPM did not disclose how it had identified the presence of illegal miners or whether it suspected an internal collaborator.

Police said the national campaign against illegal mining continues to yield results. To date, Operation Vala Umgodi has led to more than 30,000 arrests, with more than 4,000 illegal and unlicensed firearms, including high-calibre weapons, seized. Thousands of explosives and other illegal mining tools have also been confiscated.

Operations

“Our operations continue in various parts of the country. This latest discovery does indicate that we ought to intensify our operations.

“We are engaging the department of mineral resources and other relevant departments such as the department of forestry, fisheries and environmental affairs to assist us in this regard, as well as the department of employment and labour,” said Mosikili.

She confirmed police will establish a joint operational centre in Bapong to curb illegal mining. The centre will include police officials, other law enforcement agencies, government departments, and the tribal council.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg