Crime Focus | Illegal mining in South Africa

Bench Marks Foundation Researcher, David van Wyk says the issue of illegal mining cannot be addressed by the police, as it is an economic problem rather than a policing issue. His remarks come as law enforcement intensifies Operation Vala Umgodi, aimed at eradicating illegal mining in the country. Critics have warned that this operation mainly targets illegal miners, failing to address the underlying issue of the kingpins behind these operations. Van Wyk says most of the illegal miners are individuals who were retrenched without proper pension packages-or sometimes, with no packages at all.

While illegal mining has significantly declined in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in North West due to the Police's ongoing Vala Umgodi operations, contact crimes such as robbery, aggravating assault, and murder remain a major concern in both Khuma and Kanana near Klerksdorp. Earlier this month, police arrested one of three suspects in Khuma for alleged attempted murder, robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The suspect was found in possession of five rounds of ammunition and a firearm linked to a business burglary committed in December 2023 in Klerksdorp, where more than a hundred firearms were stolen.

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