Government moves to criminalise illegal mining as concerns mount

Government moves to criminalise illegal mining as concerns mount

The Justice Department has moved to criminalise illegal mining as authorities grapple with a surge in mining-related deaths, violent crime and organised criminal syndicates. Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, announced on Tuesday that the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill will introduce a specific criminal offence for illegal mining and impose heavier penalties for offences linked to the illicit mining trade. "While illicit mining is prohibited, illicit mining and the activities related […]

August 11, 2026 42

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Over 200 illegal mining suspects arrested in major West Rand operation

More than 200 suspected illegal miners have been arrested during a large-scale law enforcement operation at the Losberg Kloof Mine near Westonaria on Gauteng’s West Rand. The six-month intelligence-driven operation, conducted under Operation Prosper, brought together the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Fidelity Specialised Services and Sibanye Protection Services to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and transnational criminal networks operating at the Sibanye Stillwater-owned […]

July 7, 2026 126

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Manhunt underway following killing of 12 people in Cleveland

Police have launched a manhunt for more than ten suspects linked to the killing of 12 people at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland. It is alleged that the group of armed suspects descended on the informal settlement and opened fire on residents using automatic rifles, killing nine men and three women. At least nine other victims were taken to various medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds. It is […]

June 10, 2026 44

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Over 2,000 soldiers deployed across South Africa to tackle crime

More than 2,000 soldiers will be deployed across some of South Africa’s crime hotspots from today. President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Gauteng, the Free State, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. Authorities say the operation is aimed at supporting police efforts to combat organised crime, particularly gang-related violence and the growing issue of illegal mining. The deployment, which […]

April 1, 2026 57

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Sporong residents to be relocated amid zama-zama threats

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has assured residents of the Sporong Informal Settlement in Kagiso, on the West Rand, that they will be relocated to a safer area. Lesufi, accompanied by several provincial government officials, visited the community on Thursday after hundreds of residents fled their homes amid ongoing illegal mining activities. Many have been sheltering at a local community hall for the past two weeks. Some residents say they were […]

January 22, 2026 210