DEPUTY MINISTER MATHALE LED STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ON ILLEGAL MINING IN PILGRIM’S REST

Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, led a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining and related crimes on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Pilgrim’s Rest in the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.

The area had been affected by illegal mining activities, largely involving foreign nationals from Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, commonly referred to as zama zamas.

Stakeholders raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining on tourism and nature conservation, with land invasion identified as one of the major challenges.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) had been working to combat illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi and regular patrols in affected areas.

Stakeholders also highlighted the effects of illegal mining, including water pollution, soil erosion, damage to underground infrastructure and increases in crimes such as stock theft, housebreaking and robbery.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise said police had made progress in disrupting illegal mining activities, with pendukas, rifles and ammunition, generators and gold-bearing material confiscated.

She said some illegal miners appeared to be heavily armed and resistant when confronted by police, while investigations suggested that some zama zamas could be working for foreign-based kingpins.

Deputy Minister Mathale called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in addressing illegal mining. He also highlighted the need for an integrated approach to formalising artisanal mining as a potential job-creation opportunity for local communities.

He said the engagement had strengthened the understanding that communities and stakeholders needed to work together to address the challenges associated with illegal mining.

Executive Mayor Councillor Friddah Nkadimeng said illegal mining was no longer solely a mining issue, but had become a social, environmental, economic and security challenge requiring a coordinated response.

The Head of the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Gloria Mazibuko, also attended the engagement, which was supported by the JCPS Cluster, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), traditional leadership, and representatives from the business and mining sectors.