Boots is back on the ground to support authorities fighting illegal mining.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended Operation Prosper, which aims to combat illegal mining and associated crime.

This is the third extension of its kind and will be valid until March 2025.

R140 million operation to fight zama zamas

The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on Defense on Friday, outlining the military’s readiness.

A contingent of 1,100 SANDF personnel will be deployed in cooperation with the police to combat illegal mining and associated crime across the country.

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The rollout has already taken effect, having been extended by five months, from November 1, 2024 to March 31 next year.

The troops will focus on the country’s interior provinces, with members traveling to the northwest on Friday as part of the police minister’s visit to Stillfontein.

This phase of Operation Prosper, launched during the Sixth Parliament, will cost just over R140 million.

Can SANDF win?

An unconfirmed number of illegal miners have been in conflict with authorities outside Klerksdorp for several days.

Members of the standing committee questioned SANDF head of joint operations Lieutenant General Siphiwe Sangweni about whether the members would have a tangible effect on the ground.

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Sangweni stressed that illegal mining would not be their only focus, but would help combat spillover crimes.

“When you deal with illegal mining in the pit, areas and communities are also affected,” the lieutenant general said, noting that illegal miners were linked to multiple crimes in adjacent areas.

Exaggerated figures

Despite numerous efforts by the police to bring the minors back to the surface, their requests were ignored.

Efforts included sending a negotiator, food and posters into the pit to persuade illegal miners to come out.

It has also been reported that several illegal miners may be dead, although only one body has been recovered from the well so far.

“As far as the numbers are concerned, we think they are exaggerated. We have mobilized all resources and mobilized all resources to work on this particular matter,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

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