Illegal miners flee as South African troops dismantle operations near Johannesburg

Security forces in South Africa have dismantled illegal gold mining operations near Johannesburg after soldiers were deployed to tackle rising crime in several parts of the country.

During operations in Randfontein, about 40 kilometres west of Johannesburg, police and army units destroyed makeshift mining sites used by illegal miners. Many miners fled the area, abandoning equipment such as generators, drilling machines, clothing, and food supplies.

Authorities say the miners commonly known as “zama zamas” often enter abandoned mine shafts in search of remaining gold deposits. These operations are frequently controlled by heavily armed criminal syndicates.

Illegal mining is widespread around Johannesburg because thousands of abandoned mine shafts remain in the region. The government estimates that around 30,000 illegal miners operate in nearly 6,000 abandoned shafts across the country.

Officials say the activity causes major economic losses, with illegal gold mining costing the country more than $4 billion each year.

The crackdown is part of a broader government effort to combat organised crime in high-risk areas, including parts of Gauteng and Western Cape.

Responding to lawmakers, President Cyril Ramaphosa said security operations will be supported by stronger anti-gang units and specialised task forces targeting the finances, weapons, and leadership of criminal networks involved in illegal mining.