Gauteng Police Intensify Operations After Illegal Miners Displace 500 Residents In Randfontein

Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has reassured residents of the Spoorong informal settlement in Randfontein that law enforcement is stepping up operations following claims that illegal miners drove more than 500 people from their homes.

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According to Mthombeni, a stabilisation team has been deployed to collect intelligence after community members reported that armed illegal miners evicted them from the area about two weeks ago.

The Police Commissioner joined Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and members of the provincial executive council during an oversight visit to the settlement, which lies close to several decommissioned gold mines believed to be active sites for illegal mining.

Gauteng Police Crack Down on Illegal Mining in Randfontein

The Spoorong informal settlement is situated near old mining operations where illegal miners, often referred to as zama-zamas, are suspected of operating. Authorities say these groups have been terrorising nearby communities, allegedly using firearms to intimidate residents.

Law enforcement officials have indicated that intelligence-driven operations will be strengthened in the area to curb criminal activity linked to illegal mining and to stabilise the settlement.

Displaced Families Sheltered as Authorities Seek Long-Term Solutions

Families forced from their homes, including women and children, are currently receiving temporary shelter at the Randgate Community Hall in Randfontein. Officials are assessing sustainable options while security operations continue on the ground.

[WATCH] Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is visiting the Sporong informal settlement today to address ongoing community concerns.#UpdateAtNoon #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/5jyo6yAM6H

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 22, 2026

Authorities have emphasised that increased police visibility and coordinated interventions are aimed at restoring safety, with the goal of enabling affected residents to return to their homes as soon as conditions allow.

UPDATED 1/22/2026 at 4:08 – This post was updated to include a video of Lesufi Panyaza live at the scene.

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