The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng condemns the violence and attacks on residents by illegal miners. Residents in Randfontein on the West Rand are under siege by zama-zamas who are illegally mining for gold in the area. More than 600 families many of whom are women and children have been forced to flee their homes due to the escalating violence. This happened despite Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s promises that he will deal with the issue of illegal mining and will ensure a greater police presence. Lesufi also pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa to send the army in to deal with illegal mining.
It is deeply disturbing that residents were compelled to abandon their homes on 10 January after months of terror at the hands of illegal miners. Since November, communities have reportedly endured threats, robberies, killings and even warnings that their children could be kidnapped. These families are now displaced and traumatised, uncertain if they will ever safely return home. The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng condemns the violence and attacks on residents by illegal miners.
This crisis once again exposes the alarming inability or unwillingness of the Gauteng Provincial Government to decisively deal with illegal mining and related crimes. Illegal mining is no longer merely the unlawful extraction of minerals. It has evolved into a fully-fledged, highly organised syndicated crime, with sophisticated networks, access to heavy weaponry, and links to other serious criminal activities across the province.
Despite Lesufi knowing about the problem, communities continue to suffer while government responses remain reactive, fragmented, and ineffective. Residents are paying the price for this failure with their safety, their homes, and their dignity.
The DA Gauteng has consistently demanded that the provincial government establish a dedicated Anti-Illegal Mining Special Task Team. This task team must include specialist law enforcement units, intelligence services, prosecutors, and inspectors, working in close coordination with national departments, local municipalities, and responsible private sector role players. A piecemeal approach will not dismantle criminal syndicates of this scale.
Beyond enforcement, government must ensure:
• A permanent, visible police and defence force presence in identified illegal mining hotspots.
• Better intelligence-led operations targeting syndicate leaders, not just foot soldiers.
• Protection and support for affected residents, including safe accommodation, trauma counselling and victim support services.
• Stronger cooperation between the Departments of Community Safety, Mineral Resources, Home Affairs and Justice to close regulatory and enforcement gaps.
• Swift prosecution and asset forfeiture to cripple the financial backbone of illegal mining syndicates.
Yes, this can be done! A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would immediately take decisive leadership and restore law and order by establishing a dedicated Anti-Illegal Special Task Team. By doing this communities will no longer live in fear. The people of Randfontein and all affected areas in Gauteng deserve safety, stability, and a government that acts before it is too late.