BAPONG, Brits – South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced a comprehensive crackdown on illegal mining operations in Bapong, near Brits in the North West Province, following alarming reports of soil instability threatening local communities.
During a site visit this week, Masemola expressed grave concerns about the environmental and safety risks posed by the rampant illegal mining activities in the area.
“This situation where rampant illegal mining activity is taking place cannot be allowed to continue, as the lives and livelihoods of our communities are at risk,” Masemola stated during the briefing. “The soil surrounding these homes is now unstable due to the illegal mining that has been happening in this area.”
The intervention comes after successful weekend operations that resulted in the arrest of eleven illegal miners and the seizure of mining tools and excavators. The arrests were part of ongoing crime intelligence disruptive operations conducted by provincial authorities.
As part of the immediate response, police have implemented several intervention measures. These include enhanced crime combating operations specifically targeting illegal mining activities and the deployment of additional specialised units including crime intelligence officers, Hawks members, detectives, and tactical units. Authorities have also established an integrated multidisciplinary intervention team to ensure proper implementation and enforcement of the country’s laws.
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The intervention team includes officials from multiple government departments led by SAPS, working alongside the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Department of Water and Sanitation, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Department of Home Affairs, and Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Masemola highlighted the legal implications of the illegal operations, noting that only the DMRE can legally issue permits for mining activities.
“What is currently happening here is illegal and detrimental to the environment, including water sources, and most importantly, poses a health and imminent safety risk for our communities,” he explained. “This is theft of minerals which belongs to all South Africans and which, legally done, can contribute to economic growth, community development and decent jobs in the area.”
The police chief outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis. Daily compliance inspections and disruptive operations will be conducted at identified illegal mining sites, with weekly monitoring of daily operations to track progress. Authorities will continue search and seizure operations targeting equipment used in illegal mining, while Masemola will receive weekly progress reports to ensure the effectiveness of intervention measures.
The operations team has already begun work and will continue efforts to stabilise and normalise the area through all possible means to stop the illegal activities. Where necessary, authorities will continue to effect arrests and conduct search and seizure operations targeting tools and resources used in illegal mining operations.
“We remain committed to working closely with our communities and key stakeholders to put a stop to these illegal and dangerous activities,” Masemola stated. “We will find anyone who is behind these illegal operations and they will answer to crimes committed.”
The General also called for community cooperation, urging residents to work with law enforcement officers and “refuse to be used by these criminal elements.”
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