The community members who attended the outreach programme in Mooiplaas.
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining by engaging directly with communities most affected by the growing scourge.
On May 20, the department, working alongside the South African Police Service in Elukwatini, the Department of Home Affairs, the Community Police Forum (CPF), and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency at Songimvelo, hosted a community outreach programme in Mooiplaas.
The initiative forms part of a broader campaign aimed at mobilising communities to play an active role in reporting and preventing illegal mining activities.
DCSSL spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said Mooiplaas remains one of several areas in Mpumalanga heavily affected by illegal mining.
“Studies have shown how illegal mining negatively impacts the economy of the country. Over and above this, it continues to contribute to the influx of illegal foreign nationals and crime,” he said.
Community members were urged to report any unlawful mining activities to the authorities, with officials stressing that public cooperation is key to tackling the issue.
Mandla Zwane from the Elukwatini police station encouraged residents to work closely with the CPF and act as informants to assist police in cracking cases and removing illegal firearms from communities.
“The fight against crime is not ours only; it needs all of us. That is why we are here today to ask you to work with us, the CPF and other community structures to fight against this crime that affects each and every one of you,” he said.
Zwane added that illegal mining has been linked to various crimes in the area, including stock theft, house break-ins and even loss of life.
Meanwhile, December Nkosi from the Department of Home Affairs warned residents against assisting individuals involved in illegal mining, noting that doing so constitutes a criminal offence.
He said reports indicate that many of those involved in illegal mining are undocumented foreign nationals.
During the engagement, community members also raised concerns about security at the Songimvelo Nature Reserve, calling on the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency to strengthen measures to prevent illegal mining within the protected area.
Authorities reiterated that addressing illegal mining requires a united front between government, law enforcement and communities, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
