SAPS moves in after illegal mining crisis in Bapong

The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is leading a delegation to Bapong in the North West following growing concerns over illegal mining activities in the area.

The visit comes after community members raised alarm about water filled pits near their homes, allegedly left behind by illegal miners. Residents said they live in fear as large holes have formed close to shacks and houses, creating safety risks for families. Some community members also reported intimidation linked to criminal groups operating in the area and called on police to intervene.

During a walk through parts of Bapong, visible signs of illegal mining included deep excavations near residential structures. Community members said the pits have damaged property and placed lives at risk, particularly for children and the elderly.

National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure convened a meeting in Bapong, near Brits, to assess the extent of illegal mining in the area.

“The NATJOINTS structure convened a meeting in Bapong, Brits to assess the extent of illegal mining that is taking place in the area. A walkabout will be conducted by officials from relevant government departments. The meeting will culminate with an integrated plan that will put a stop to these illegal activities,” Mathe said.

Mining Affected Communities United in Action raised concerns following a site visit by its national leadership. The organisation said the situation in Bapong reflects wider challenges in mining affected communities, including the impact of abandoned mines, regulatory gaps and limited state protection. MACUA said fear and criminal activity have increased as illegal mining continues to expand.

Some residents shared their concerns on social media, with one user posting images and claiming that illegal miners had taken over parts of the village and were digging in residential yards.

Deputy National Commissioner of Policing Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili last Thursday addressed the situation during a visit to Bapong, where senior police officials met with provincial leadership and the Bapo Ba Mogale traditional authority.

Mosikili said the delegation included senior officers from national crime detection, the special task force, the national intervention unit and members who have previously led Operation Vala Umgodi in the North West. They met with the Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Naidoo, senior provincial management and the head of the Hawks in the province.

She said police received a briefing on ongoing joint law enforcement operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities. Additional crime combating operations have been deployed to support the district under the command of the district commissioner.

Mosikili also addressed social media claims of heavily armed illegal miners operating openly in Bapong. She said those claims were misleading and incorrect.

“The private security officials seen in circulating images are valid security officers with proper PSIRA accreditation. They were appointed by the Bapo Ba Mogale tribal council to assist in stopping illegal mining activities that have already led to loss of lives,” Mosikili said.

She said police had observed severe damage in areas affected by illegal mining, including collapsing homes, damaged roads and excavations near graveyards. He said these conditions posed serious safety risks to the community.

Mosikili said illegal mining often involves undocumented and armed criminals, making operations complex and dangerous. She added that Operation Vala Umgodi has led to more than 30 000 arrests nationwide, with more than 4 000 illegal firearms seized, along with explosives and mining equipment.

Police said operations would continue in Bapong and other affected areas. A joint operational centre will be established involving SAPS, other law enforcement agencies, government departments and the tribal council to address illegal mining activities in the community.