Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support efforts to curb illegal mining in the province.
The decision to deploy the army to assist police was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during Thursday night’s State of the Nation Address.
The move is aimed at strengthening law enforcement capacity and intensifying operations against organised illegal mining syndicates.
Lesufi said illegal mining has evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise that threatens community safety, exploits vulnerable individuals and causes significant environmental damage.
The urgency of the intervention follows recent incidents in the Sporong informal settlement, where more than 600 residents were forced to flee their homes amid crime linked to illegal mining activities.
Provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed that Lesufi had welcomed the President’s intervention and reiterated Gauteng’s full support for the initiative.
He said the provincial government would work closely with national authorities, law enforcement agencies and affected municipalities to ensure the deployment achieves its intended objectives.
The deployment forms part of broader efforts to address organised crime and restore stability in communities impacted by illegal mining operations.
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