Central SA
Task team deployed as illegal mining battle intensifies in Bapong─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 09:36 Tue, 23 Dec 2025
North West MEC for community safety and transport management has been appointed to lead a task team aimed at addressing illegal mining activities in Bapong village, near Brits, in the North West province.
The appointment follows a meeting between acting minister of police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and the Bapo ba Mokgale royal council on Monday (22/12), where concerns over the growing threat of illegal mining in the area were discussed. Bapong recently made national headlines after community members raised an alarm over illegal mining operations taking place close to their homes.
Residents expressed fear for their safety, citing the dangers posed by open mining holes and criminal activities linked to the operations. Since the issue was placed under the spotlight, more than 20 illegal miners have been arrested in the area.
Morweng said the government is committed to dealing decisively with illegal mining in Bapong, using the same approach that was successfully implemented in Klerksdorp.
“People of Bapong took it to social media, took it everywhere to cry about illegal activities that are happening in their village. We are here to ensure and assure they put an end to that.
“The Premier (Lazarus Mokgosi) appointed me to lead a task team that will first deal with the environmental relations that will happen to gauge illegal mining, as we did in Klerksdorp, to assist in closing holes that have been established by these thugs and criminals,” said Morweng.
‘Law enforcement agencies remain committed to restoring safety and stability’
He confirmed that a comprehensive plan has already been developed and that multidisciplinary teams have been deployed to the area to investigate criminal activities linked to illegal mining.
Morweng further revealed that the Bapong community has played a critical role by providing authorities with names and case numbers of individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining and related crimes. According to Morweng, arrests have already been made based on the information received.
While welcoming the progress made so far, Morweng reiterated that the government would not relent until illegal mining activities in Bapong are completely eradicated, assuring residents that law enforcement agencies remain committed to restoring safety and stability in the area.
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