Tensions boil in Bapong amid illegal mining crackdown

ILLICIT: Three suspected zama-zamas were arrested in the North West mining area after police seized large quantities of chrome and heavy machinery, triggering anger among locals who say illegal mining is driven by unemployment…

By Lehlohonolo Lehana

Tensions erupted in Bapong, North West, after SA Police Services arrested three suspected illegal miners, found in possession of large amounts of chrome.

Residents are furious following the arrests, saying illegal mining in the area is driven by high unemployment.

There are an estimated 100 000 illegal miners who venture underground daily in mostly abandoned mines scattered across Gauteng, the Free State and North West.

Bapong is the latest flashpoint for illegal mining, where residents complained of sinkholes, cracked homes and disappearing roads due to illegal underground mining, this time for chrome and platinum.

Police swooped and confiscated 10 excavators and other mining equipment, making several arrests in the process.

South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner Fannie Masemola declared a zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining.

“We are enhancing and heightening our crime combating operations to deal decisively with these illegal mining activities,” he said. “We are deploying more police officers on the ground such as crime intelligence officers, members of the Hawks, detectives and tactical units to prevent and combat these illegal mining activities.”

“We are continuing with our disruptive operations and where necessary we will continue to effect the necessary arrests and conduct search and seizure operations of tools and resources that are being used to conduct these illegal mining activities,” says Masemola.

A 2023 study by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime shows areas with high illegal mining activity also have murder rates above the national average.

Rival syndicates battle it out for resources and are often linked to drug trafficking, gun running, smuggling and other crimes.

The police appear to be taking the problem seriously. A multi-disciplinary team from minerals, water, home affairs and justice has been set up to support on-the-ground police work involving daily operations to monitor and disrupt illegal mining. – Fullview