Illegal mining turns Bapong into danger zone

By Collen Ndabeni

Fear and uncertainty have gripped the Bapong community near Brits after the discovery of extensive illegal mining operations that have left deep, water-filled holes dangerously close to residential areas, raising alarm about possible ground collapse, sinkholes and further loss of life.

Residents said the situation has deteriorated rapidly, with excavations now visible near homes, roads and community spaces. Some community members report that parts of the ground have already started giving way, while others fear children and livestock could fall into open pits concealed by water and vegetation.

“We are no longer safe here,” said one resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

“These holes are close to our houses. When it rains, you can’t see how deep they are. We are waiting for a tragedy.”

The South African Police Service has confirmed a major crackdown in the area following the escalation of illegal mining activities. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that 11 suspected illegal miners have been arrested and 10 excavators seized during operations in and around Bapong.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has warned that the illegal mining has destabilised the ground, posing a serious threat to lives and property. He said the operations had moved beyond small-scale digging and were now industrial in nature, using heavy machinery in close proximity to homes.

Police visibility has since increased, with tactical units, crime intelligence and air support deployed as part of an intensified operation to dismantle the syndicates believed to be behind the mining.

Reports circulating on social media alleging that “armed zama zamas” were operating openly in the area have been disputed by authorities. Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, chairperson of NATJOINTS, said the armed individuals seen in some images were PSIRA-registered private security guards appointed by the Bapo Ba Mogale traditional authority.

According to Mosikili, the security was deployed after illegal mining had already caused severe damage, including homes collapsing, roads caving in and excavations near graveyards.

She confirmed that authorities had verified the situation on the ground and found extensive environmental degradation.

While police action has intensified, serious questions are now being raised about whether the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and other regulatory bodies acted early enough to prevent the crisis.

Municipal planning documents from the Moses Kotane Local Municipality have previously identified illegal mining as a growing risk in the area, warning of its environmental and safety consequences. The same documents also point to limited enforcement capacity and challenges in environmental compliance monitoring.

To date, there is no clear public record of sustained, visible environmental enforcement in Bapong before the damage reached life-threatening levels. Current interventions appear largely reactive, driven by policing structures, with environmental rehabilitation and land restoration yet to be fully outlined.

Residents are now calling for more than arrests. They want open pits sealed, damaged land rehabilitated, and a long-term plan to protect the community.

“Arresting people is not enough,” said a community leader. “We want these holes closed, the land made safe, and the government to tell us how they will stop this from happening again.”

Picture attached