The government is taking action to close all abandoned mines in South Africa, according to the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster. The cluster emphasized that illegal mining, also known as ‘zama zamas,’ has become a serious concern, leading to a rise in criminal activities and threats to national security. Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise highlighted the link between illegal mining and organized crimes, including gangsterism, human trafficking, and money laundering. The government has made over 4,000 arrests related to illegal mining and has seized millions of rands worth of mining equipment and coal. Additionally, there have been convictions and pending cases involving both South African and foreign nationals. The Hawks and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) have confiscated vehicles and issued freezing orders and forfeitures, reflecting the authorities’ crackdown on illegal mining operations. Plans are in place to close all illegal mines, with a focus on sealing derelict and ownerless mines that negatively impact operational and licensed mines. The government also expressed support for legal artisanal mining as an alternative to illegal mining. The deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is part of the efforts to address illegal mining.
