Residents of Randfontein have expressed strong support for the recent deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the area, viewing it as a much-needed response to escalating criminal activities driven by illegal mining operations, commonly known as zama zamas.
Mpho Sesedinyane, a community activist and representative of the South African National Civic Organization (SANCO) in the region, officially welcomed the president’s decision to deploy the army to the West Rand and other parts of Gauteng. Speaking about the community’s reaction, Sesedinyane described the move as “extremely welcomed,” noting that local residents have felt traumatized and helpless in the face of ongoing intimidation and harassment by armed illegal miners.
“The residents in particular have been traumatized and really felt helpless when these people continue to harass our people through intimidation and all of those,” Sesedinyane said. He highlighted that community members are “extremely happy” and “extremely excited” about the presence of the SANDF, as it addresses the terror and trouble caused by zama zamas who have driven people from their homes.
The primary challenge in Randfontein, according to Sesedinyane, stems from heavily armed zama zamas who intimidate residents, attempt to take control of areas, and engage in violent shootouts upon emerging from mining shafts. These incidents have instilled widespread fear, leading some residents to flee their homes due to the “barbaric behavior” of the illegal miners.
Sesedinyane drew a clear distinction between the situation in Randfontein and other areas, such as Stilfontein in the North West, where some locals have reportedly supported illegal mining due to unemployment and limited economic opportunities. In Randfontein, he emphasized that the majority of zama zamas are illegal immigrants, primarily from Lesotho, and that the community does not benefit from their activities. Instead, residents are victims of the violence and intimidation, rejecting any justification based on job scarcity as “shortsighted” and unacceptable.
“This type of situation that is happening is exactly that situation where our people are not beneficiaries of this illegal mining but they are actually victims of this barbaric action by these illegal miners who happen not to belong to our country,” Sesedinyane stated.
Addressing the economic chain behind the illegal operations, Sesedinyane described the trade as a “well-coordinated” network involving mafias and cartels that buy the illegally extracted gold. He suggested that some buyers may include former mine operators with insider knowledge who now exploit the miners from a distance due to the dangers involved. Sesedinyane called for the army deployment to extend beyond surface operations to root out these buyers and syndicates.
“We hope that this action by the president will not just be a cosmetic one but it has to yield the results of uprooting and attending to this illegal miners decisive issue,” he added.
The deployment forms part of broader efforts to tackle illegal mining and related crime in Gauteng’s West Rand districts, including Randfontein, amid reports of communities facing severe disruption and displacement from zama zama activities. Residents hope the military presence will restore safety and allow people to return to normal life without fear.