The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to consider deploying soldiers in the province to address the escalating issue of illegal mining. The committee’s request follows a tragic incident in which a 32-year-old man lost his life during a clash between illegal miners (known as “zama zamas”) and law enforcement.
The urgency to curb illegal mining activities is underscored by a recent gas leak in Boksburg, claiming 17 lives, which has been linked to illicit mining operations. Solly Nonyane, a leader in the Angelo informal settlement, emphasized that the community is facing an “onslaught” from these illegal miners.
In the past, confrontations involving zama zamas have turned violent. Notably, around 300 unauthorized miners attacked law enforcement and security personnel who attempted to prevent the delivery of provisions to underground miners. Similarly, in June 2022, approximately 150 illegal miners raided the Cooke shaft near Randfontein, owned by gold miner Sibanye-Stillwater, in an audacious takeover attempt.
Adding to the concern, the province of Mpumalanga, particularly Emalahleni, housing South Africa’s largest coal reserves, has witnessed a surge in unauthorized mining. Alarming underground fires have been ignited, releasing hazardous smoke and fumes. The lack of a comprehensive strategy for extinguishing these fires has further exacerbated the issue.
As the community grapples with the dire consequences of illegal mining, the call for military intervention gains prominence as a potential means to decisively address this growing menace.
