Lesufi welcomes military deployment to combat illegal mining syndicate

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the deployment of the army to assist with the fight against illegal mining. Lesufi says the deployment will strengthen law enforcement capacity and enhance operations against syndicates.

The decision to send in the military to help police was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday night.

Over 600 residents of the Sporong informal settlement were recently forced to flee their homes due to crime linked to illegal mining. Lesufi says illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens safety, exploits vulnerable people, and causes extensive environmental damage.

Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed: “Premier Lesufi further welcomed President Ramaphosa’s leadership and reaffirmed the Gauteng Provincial Government’s full support for the initiative. He confirmed that the province will work closely with national government, law enforcement agencies, and affected municipalities to ensure the success of the deployment.”