Ramaphosa made the announcement durulng the SONA that was held at the Cape Town’s City Hall on Thursday evening.

Lesufi described the deployment as a decisive and necessary intervention to address the growing threat posed by illegal mining.

He said it undermines the rule of law, endangers communities, damages critical infrastructure and negatively affects the province’s economy.

“Illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens the safety of our communities, exploits vulnerable people, and causes extensive environmental damage. The deployment of soldiers to assist the police demonstrates government’s commitment to restoring law and order and protecting communities,” Lesufi said.

Lesufi noted that Gauteng has borne the brunt of illegal mining activities, including violent crime, unsafe abandoned mining shafts and the intimidation of residents in affected areas.

He expressed confidence that the joint deployment would strengthen law enforcement capacity and enhance coordinated operations against illegal mining syndicates.

“The people of Gauteng deserve to live in safe communities free from criminality. We remain committed to doing everything possible, together with national government, to eradicate illegal mining and its associated crimes,” he said.

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The residents has been forced to seek shelter in the Randgate Boxing Club and at the local community hall in Kagiso in the West Rand.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and African Transformation Movement (ATM) said they are deeply troubled to witness the displacement of approximately 300 families, primarily women and children who have been forced to flee their homes due to threats of violence and kidnapping from these so-called Zama zamas.

“The ATM is appalled by the apparent lack of intervention from our armed forces and law enforcement agencies in addressing this crisis. The failure to protect South African citizens on their own soil raises serious concerns about national security and the effectiveness of our intelligence services. It is unacceptable that our communities are left vulnerable to external threats, leading to fear and instability,” said ATM Spokesperson Zama Ntshona.

Ntshona said: “We call on the government to take immediate and decisive action to restore safety and security for all South Africans. This includes deploying law enforcement to the affected areas, providing necessary support to displaced families and ensuring that perpetrators of such violence are held accountable.”

The ATM and the EFF urges all South Africans to stand united in defending our communities against criminal elements that seek to undermine our safety and sovereignty. We cannot allow fear to dictate our lives or our future.

“The EFF Gauteng has taken note, with serious concern, of the deeping humanitarian and security crisis confronting residents of Sporong, in the Kagiso Area in West Rand. This crisis arises from violent intimidation, terror, and forceful displacement carried out by illegal miners, commonly known as Zama-zamas.

“We call for immediate humanitarian assistance to address their urgent needs. The overcrowded conditions in the Randgate community hall pose serious health risks and require urgent attention from local and national authorities,” said EFF Gauteng Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga.

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Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, was shot dead in Brakpan just hours after sending a voice note stating he was ready to expose alleged state-linked role players behind illegal mining syndicates.

Van der Merwe had recently testified about corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department and had approached journalists saying he feared he could be killed.

He told anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee that he wanted to go public and identify individuals allegedly facilitating illegal mining in South Africa.

Investigators are probing whether his killing is connected to his testimony, his intelligence on illegal mining networks, or another factor. No motive has been confirmed.

The murder has reignited urgent calls for stronger protection of whistleblowers and witnesses in South Africa’s ongoing fight against organised crime.

Credit: Yusuf Abramjee

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