This was revealed during a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Police session on Tuesday (18/3), where acting Provincial Police Commissioner Patrick Asaneng detailed ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis.

According to Asaneng, National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola previously confirmed the operation was being funded through the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.

Since its inception, R23 million has been allocated for police deployments, while an additional R9.8 million was spent on overtime costs. Officers frequently work beyond their regular hours due to the scale of the crisis. “We had instances where police had to work more than the prescribed hours of duty,” Asaneng said, highlighting the intensity of the operation.

It was also revealed that gold-bearing material worth R46 million was confiscated during several months of operations in Stilfontein.

More than a thousand zama-zamas have been arrested, and more than 90 bodies recovered from underground shafts. Many of those arrested and recovered were illegal migrants.

Raping the economy

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe voiced concerns about foreign nationals’ involvement in illegal mining, stating: “Foreign nationals are raping the economy through illegal mining dealings.”

Meanwhile, the search continues for Neo “Tiger” Tsoaledi, believed to be a key figure in Stilfontein’s illegal mining network. Tsoaledi disappeared while in police custody, and authorities are still tracking him.

Mineral Resources Portfolio Chairperson Mika Mahlaule expressed scepticism over whether Tsoaledi is the true kingpin. “Kingpins don’t do that; they live lavish lifestyles elsewhere. Those in the country are being pursued by police, and time will tell.”

He explained kingpins typically operate through informants managing activities from underground rather than participating directly.

Mahlaule also provided an update on law enforcement’s progress against illegal mining. “At least eight kingpins have been arrested nationwide since 2019, and law enforcement agencies have repossessed assets acquired through illegal mining.”

In Stilfontein, Shaft 10 continues to be cleared for rehabilitation.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg