The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has raised alarm over escalating illegal mining in Bekkersdal, which has plunged the community into violence, lawlessness, and fear.
The committee, chaired by Bandile Masuku, said it is “gravely disturbed by the unacceptable and violent nature of crimes linked to illegal mining.”
Masuku cited a mass shooting at an illegal tavern in December last year that left 21 people injured and nine dead.
He said that last week, the committee was briefed on another violent incident in which an alleged zama zama was shot and wounded during night-time gunfire in the area. Police recovered 17 rifle cartridges and 12 9mm cartridges at the scene, highlighting the use of high-calibre firearms and organised criminal activity
Masuku further says illegal mining has also contributed to a rise in kidnappings in Bekkersdal. Following illegal mineral transactions, victims are reportedly tracked to their homes, where family members are abducted and ransoms demanded.
“In cases where ransoms are not paid, victims are brutally murdered,” Masuku said, adding that such crimes have further entrenched fear and escalated violent crime in the area.
In response to these developments, the Portfolio Committee conducted an oversight visit to Bekkersdal Police Station on Friday, 6 February 2026, to assess the station’s capacity to respond effectively to these crimes. The committee identified serious shortcomings, including critical resource shortages and inadequate infrastructure.
“Of particular concern is that a facility initially intended as a satellite police station is currently being used as a fully-fledged station,” Masuku said.
“The facility is small, overcrowded, and wholly unsuitable for the scale and severity of criminality in the area, negatively impacting both the morale of police officers and their ability to fight crime effectively.”
The committee reiterated that the situation in Bekkersdal is unacceptable and requires urgent, coordinated intervention. Within its oversight mandate, it has resolved to engage relevant authorities to address deficiencies, including infrastructure upgrades, resource allocation, and strengthened operational capacity.
“The people of Bekkersdal deserve to live without fear,” Masuku said.
“The committee remains committed to contributing to decisive action that will restore safety, uphold the rule of law and ensure a significant reduction in crime in Bekkersdal.”
Saturday Star