By: IOL

Parliament's portfolio committees have voiced urgent concerns over the South African Police Service's (SAPS) failure to develop specialised training to combat the rising threat of illegal mining, which is wreaking havoc on communities and the economy.

In a joint sitting this week, the Portfolio Committees on Police, Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Home Affairs, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment said the absence of such training was unacceptable.

“It is unacceptable that an emerging crime trend, such as illegal mining, does not have tailored training courses to tackle the scourge. This is more alarming in the context of the socio-economic impact of illegal mining in the country,” said Mr Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police.

The meeting was convened to consider a petition from Ms M Clarke, MP, on behalf of residents of Ward 92 in the City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, calling for urgent intervention.

While the committees acknowledged successes through Operation Vala Umgodi, including arrests, they said the impact was “not far-reaching” and that illegal mining continues to devastate communities.

Although illegal mining is not seen as a police challenge alone, MPs stressed the need for a strengthened multidisciplinary approach. This includes holding mining houses accountable for rehabilitating decommissioned mines, ensuring immigration laws and border controls are enforced, and upholding environmental protections.

The committees also called for a stronger focus on dismantling criminal syndicates driving the illegal mining economy.

“Focusing only on foot soldiers will not yield long-term results, particularly given high unemployment and poverty, which make it easy to recruit desperate workers,” the committees said.

Cross-border collaboration was highlighted as critical, with MPs urging intelligence sharing, joint planning and disruptive operations with regional counterparts.

They also encouraged SAPS to partner with “good private security companies” and the South African National Defence Force as a “force multiplier” to offset limited resources.

Furthermore, the committees reiterated the need for better resourcing across all departments to ensure an effective response to illegal mining and associated crimes.

As part of its response to the petition, each committee will submit formal questions to relevant departments. The replies will be consolidated into a report to be tabled in the National Assembly for further consideration and action.