By: Nova news

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. This action followed alarming reports that extensive illegal mining had caused severe soil instability, threatening local homes and communities.

During a site visit, Masemola expressed grave concerns over the environmental degradation and immediate safety risks. He stated that the rampant illegal activity could not be allowed to continue, as it directly endangered lives and livelihoods. The Commissioner highlighted that the illegal excavations had destabilised the ground surrounding residential areas.

The crackdown follows recent successful operations over the weekend, during which eleven illegal miners were arrested, and their tools and excavators were seized. In response, police have intensified their efforts by deploying specialised units—including crime intelligence, the Hawks, detectives, and tactical teams—and have established a dedicated, multidisciplinary intervention team.

This integrated team is led by the SAPS and includes officials from key government departments such as Mineral Resources and Energy, Water and Sanitation, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Home Affairs, and Justice and Constitutional Development. Masemola emphasised that only the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy can legally issue mining permits and condemned the current operations as theft of the nation's minerals, which deprives the country of potential economic growth and jobs.

A structured enforcement plan has been implemented, featuring daily compliance inspections, disruptive operations at identified sites, and continued search and seizure missions. Commissioner Masemola will receive weekly progress reports to monitor effectiveness. Authorities are committed to stabilising the area and have urged community cooperation, asking residents to work with law enforcement and refuse to be exploited by the criminal networks behind the illegal mining.