The West Rand mining belt around Krugersdorp (Mogale City municipality) has become the epicentre of South Africa's illegal mining crisis. An estimated 30,000 zama-zamas — illegal miners — operate in approximately 200 syndicates across abandoned mine shafts and tunnels. The operations are controlled by organised crime networks with links to human trafficking, extortion, and drug dealing.
In August 2022, the crisis erupted into national consciousness when a group of zama-zamas gang-raped members of a film crew working near an abandoned mine in the area. The attack triggered widespread outrage, protests, and demands for government action. Despite promises of crackdowns, the problem grew worse as syndicates consolidated control over more abandoned shafts.
The environmental destruction is severe: acid mine drainage poisons rivers and groundwater, heavy metals contaminate soil, and illegal processing operations release mercury and cyanide. Communities downstream suffer health consequences. The municipality lacks the resources or capacity to address a problem that requires national security intervention.
In February 2026, the SANDF was deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi ("Close the Shaft") to flush out illegal miners from underground tunnels. The operation led to hundreds of arrests and the recovery of illicit gold, but experts warn that without addressing the economic drivers and rehabilitating abandoned mines, the problem will resurface.