Central SA
North West zama zama arrested in ongoing crackdown─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 09:43 Fri, 19 Dec 2025
A suspected illegal miner is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court early next week as authorities continue combatting illegal mining operations to restore safety and stability to the Bapong area near Brits.
Officers arrested the 51-year-old after he was found operating an excavator on Thursday (18/12), said North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh. Police seized the excavator and a truck.
In recent days, North West police have conducted several to dismantle illegal mining networks. On Friday (12/12), officers arrested eleven illegal miners and seized ten excavators during coordinated operations in Bapong. The eleven suspects, aged 20 to 45, are appearing in court again on Friday.
A man has been arrested after he was found operating an excavator in Bapong. Photo: SAPS.
OFM News reported Mooinooi police and other units intensified their efforts to safeguard the community by neutralising the threat posed by illegal mining. Upon arrival in Mooinooi during one of the operations, police discovered eleven men allegedly engaged in illegal digging, as well as two bakkies loaded with rocks suspected to be chrome.
The crackdown was escalated on Wednesday (17/12) when police air support, crime intelligence, tactical units, and the Hawks descended on Bapong in a coordinated operation. Authorities are reportedly hunting for the alleged kingpin behind the illegal mining activities, which have left residents fearful and concerned about their safety.
Videos and images depicting illegal mining operations in Bapong have been widely circulated on social media, heightening public concern over the threat to local communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
'Illegal mining in Bapong will not be tolerated'
National police commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola has warned illegal mining in Bapong will not be tolerated. He cited serious threats to the safety, health, and livelihoods of residents, stressing that decisive action will continue.
To address the crisis, an integrated, multidisciplinary intervention team has been established under joint provincial and national task teams. The team includes officials from police, the department of mineral resources and energy, water and sanitation, forestry, fisheries and the environment, home affairs, and justice and constitutional development.
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