Terrified residents claim police collusion amid illegal mining crackdown in Randfontein

SK

Sara-Jayne Makwala King

13 March 2026 | 7:23

A researcher says tackling illegal mining requires confronting the syndicates behind it, and allegations of police involvement.

Terrified residents claim police collusion amid illegal mining crackdown in Randfontein

FILE: A cave where illegal miners seek refuge from Atok Village inhabitants' outcries. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News

More than 300 residents in parts of Randfontein and Bekkersdal have fled their homes following raids targeting illegal mining operations.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers worked alongside South African Police Service (SAPS) officers as so-called 'zama zamas' or illegal miners reportedly escaped into nearby veld and underground tunnels.

According to Bench Marks Foundation researcher David van Wyk, while the military presence may offer temporary relief for communities caught up in the conflict, he questions whether it can solve the deeper problems linked to illegal mining.

ALSO READ: Sporong informal settlement residents living in fear of Zama Zamas

"I don't think it's a solution to the problem," he told 702/CapeTalk's Africa Melane, adding that the government needs to tackle the 'roots' of the problem.

"We all know they are former mine workers, most of them, and unless we actually deal with the issue of mine closure and rehabilitation and the transitions taking place in our economy in a sensible manner, we are not going to solve the problem."

Van Wyk says another challenge lies in dismantling the criminal networks behind these operations.

Illegal mining has long been linked to organised crime and growing safety concerns for nearby communities.

"We need to deal with the syndicates that own and control these illegal operations," he says.

ALSO READ: Life of a former zama zama: ‘When I saw the conditions I thought, ‘What have I done?’’

Residents in several mining towns say they continue to live with uncertainty and fear, and while President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the deployment of troops is designed to support SAPS in its work, Van Wyk says the story on the ground is different.

"A lot of the problem is within the SAPS itself... the communities complain that the policemen are actually involved in the illegal mining operations as part of the syndicates."

To listen to Van Wyk in conversation with 702/CapeTalk's Africa Melane, use the audio player below:

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