The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) in the North West province has called on the South African Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to declare the ongoing illegal mining operations in Stilfontein a special event. This declaration, according to Popcru, would enable the urgent deployment of additional resources and support to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat the growing crisis. Johannes Dire, the Provincial Secretary of Popcru, emphasized that illegal mining operations in the region are highly organized, posing significant risks to police officers working to address the issue. He highlighted the need for immediate action, as these operations not only place officers in danger during missions but also expose them to retaliatory risks in the communities where they live.
Dire’s remarks came in light of the tragic loss of a police officer on Sunday, who was shot while in his vehicle. While the incident has not been definitively linked to the illegal mining operations, Dire suggested that it could be a form of retaliation, given the tense and volatile environment in the area. He pointed out that police officers involved in these operations are often recognized by locals, making them vulnerable to attacks when off-duty. “These men and women in blue are not only on the front lines during operations but must return to the same communities, where they are known and easily identifiable,” Dire said, stressing the personal risk officers face daily.
Popcru also warned that the trend of violence against police officers in the province could escalate if the situation is not addressed with greater urgency. Dire noted that the longer officers are exposed to the threat of illegal mining syndicates, the more likely the risk of targeted attacks becomes. The community’s knowledge of officers’ identities, coupled with the dangerous and organized nature of the illegal mining operations, creates a perilous environment for law enforcement. This, Dire argued, is why additional resources and manpower are needed to ensure the safety of SAPS members and effectively combat the illegal mining activities.
In his statement, Dire highlighted the decline in police numbers in the North West over the years, which has exacerbated the challenges faced by SAPS. From 2010 to 2014, the province boasted a police force of approximately 12,000 officers, but current figures show that number has been halved. The shrinking police force, combined with the growing scope of illegal mining operations, means that fewer officers are tasked with dealing with an increasingly complex and dangerous issue. Dire called for an urgent response to bolster SAPS capacity in dealing with these well-coordinated and large-scale illegal mining syndicates.
Popcru’s appeal for a special event declaration is an attempt to bring attention to the critical need for additional resources, both in terms of manpower and equipment, to help SAPS address the escalating crisis in Stilfontein. The union’s request underscores the gravity of the situation and the risks faced by law enforcement in North West. With the growing strength of illegal mining operations and the declining number of officers available to respond, the call for immediate action has never been more pressing. As the situation continues to unfold, the safety of police officers and the effective dismantling of illegal mining operations remain at the forefront of concerns for both the local community and law enforcement agencies.
