Latest News & Developments
illegal mining
Zamimpilo settlement residents urge government intervention as illegal mining violence rises
Residents of the Zamimpilo settlement are calling for immediate action as violence linked to illegal mining escalates, threatening their safety and livelihoods.
Zamimpilo Settlement residents demand action as violence from illegal mining escalates
Residents of Zamimpilo Settlement plead for government intervention following the tragic death of Jerome Lottering amid violent clashes with illegal miners.
Hundreds of Stilfontein miners face deportation as legal battle continues after Operation Vala Umgodi
More than five months after Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, police confirm 156 cases involving 1 831 suspects remain pending. While over 1 000 miners have been found guilty on charges ranging from illegal mining to immigration violations, human rights organisations argue these are 'crimes of poverty' that could be resolved through proper regulation of abandoned mines.
Macua accuses SAPS and NPA of corporate bias ahead of national inquiry
Macua has made submissions to the South African Human Rights Commission ahead of the national inquiry into illegal mining.
Hawks raid palatial houses in Joburg, seizing over R730,000 in gold and cash
In a significant crackdown, the Hawks arrested Rex Solomon Mlambo, 69, and seized over R730,000 in cash and gold nuggets during a meticulous operation in Gauteng.
Battle over Billion-rand sugilite mining rights intensifies
Tension escalates in Kuruman as PP Gemstones has accused industry giant Assmang of illegal operations.
The critical state of SA's abandoned mines
South Africa's mining industry faces a crisis, with over 6,000 abandoned mines posing safety risks and economic challenges for communities. Explore the implications of these derelict sites and the urgent need for action.
Illegal mining: Teen bust processing gold-bearing material
Police operation 'Vala Umgodi' leads to the arrest of an 18-year-old undocumented foreign national after discovering 2. 5kg of suspected gold-bearing minerals at an illegal mining operation in Limpopo's Gravelotte area.
Three arrested after Mpumalanga mine burglary leading to R1. 2 million damage
In a dangerous clash at a Bethal mine, three suspects have been arrested after a perilous shoot-out with security officers.
Pastor arrested for possession of gold bearing material worth R60,000
A pastor was caught red-handed with R60,000 worth of gold bearing material and R9,200 in cash, raising concerns over illegal mining activities.
Decomposed body of alleged zama zama from Lesotho found at illegal mining shaft in Mokopane, Limpopo
A body, thought to that of a Lesotho national involved in illegal mining activities, was found by Limpopo police in a shallow grave at Zwartkrans Mine near Makapan's Valley, in Mokopane, Limpopo.
Six arrested in Mpumalanga after they were found with suspected illegal mining explosives
Six suspects have been arrested in Barberton for possessing explosives believed to be linked to illegal mining activities.
Police crack down: Four arrested in Limpopo's illegal gold processing operation
Four suspects, including three Zimbabweans and one Mozambican, were arrested in Limpopo after police uncovered an illegal gold processing laboratory.
Hawks apprehend over 1,400 suspects amidst crime crackdown
With a focus on high-profile criminal cases, the Hawks reveal significant arrest figures and the dismantling of drug labs in South Africa.
Stilfontein corruption: Police officers arrested in kingpin escape case
Four police officers have been arrested on charges of aiding the escape of Stilfontein kingpin Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli, raising serious concerns about police corruption in the region.
'They called them troublemakers, but they were our survival': Stilfontein struggles after illegal mining crackdown
In Stilfontein, the government’s crackdown on illegal mining was meant to restore order. But for residents like Rita de Sonsa, the absence of the miners has brought economic despair and uncertainty. As businesses crumble and hunger rises, the community is left questioning whether the crackdown did more harm than good.
‘No repeat of Stilfontein mine in Ekurhuleni’: Zama zama killed in Germiston shoot-out with metro police
A deadly shoot-out erupted between metro police and a group of illegal miners in Germiston during a crackdown on illicit mining activities. One suspect was killed, and another was rushed to the hospital with injuries.
Stilfontein Crisis Committee considers murder charges against government over miners' deaths
Stilfontein Crisis Committee is contemplating charging the government with murder following the discovery of over 70 miners.
Minister Gwede Mantashe urges stronger measures against illegal mining
Minister Gwede Mantashe has called for intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, describing it as a crime against the economy. Over 240 illegal miners have been arrested in Stilfontein’s ongoing rescue operations.