The South African government has authorised the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in addressing the growing threat posed by illegal mining in Gauteng Province.
In a formal communication to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that 550 SANDF personnel have been deployed to support SAPS operations under Operation PROSPER – Illegal Mining, a joint initiative aimed at preventing and combating criminal activities associated with illicit mining operations.
Military Support for Internal Security Operations
The deployment forms part of a broader national strategy to counter the increasingly organised and violent nature of illegal mining networks, commonly referred to as “zama-zama” operations. These networks operate in abandoned or disused mining shafts and are often linked to organised crime, illegal immigration, weapons trafficking and violent territorial disputes.
Under the current authorisation, SANDF members will assist SAPS with operational support to stabilise affected areas and strengthen law enforcement capabilities in Gauteng. Their tasks are expected to include area security, patrol support and logistical assistance as well as coordination with police units conducting enforcement actions against illegal mining syndicates.
The operation officially commenced on 30 January 2026 and is scheduled to continue until 30 April 2026.
Legal Framework for Deployment
The employment of SANDF personnel for domestic support operations is authorised under Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which allows the President to deploy the military in cooperation with the police to maintain law and order and combat crime.
Such deployments require formal notification to Parliament. In accordance with constitutional requirements, the report detailing the deployment was submitted to the National Assembly and will also be communicated to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
These procedures ensure parliamentary oversight when the military is employed in support of civilian law enforcement agencies.
Growing Threat of Illegal Mining
Illegal mining has become one of South Africa’s most pressing security challenges particularly in provinces with extensive historic mining infrastructure such as Gauteng, the Free State and the North West.
Criminal groups exploit abandoned mine shafts to extract gold and other minerals often using unsafe and environmentally destructive methods. The activities not only result in significant economic losses but also pose serious risks to surrounding communities.
Illegal mining syndicates frequently operate with heavily armed groups that control underground territories. Violent clashes between rival factions and confrontations with law enforcement have become increasingly common in recent years.
Authorities have also raised concerns about the involvement of transnational organised crime groups that facilitate the smuggling of illegally mined minerals through sophisticated supply chains.
Joint Operations Approach
Operation PROSPER represents part of a coordinated multi-agency approach to disrupt these networks. The involvement of the SANDF provides additional manpower, specialised capabilities and enhanced security support to SAPS units operating in high-risk environments.
Joint operations between the military and police have been used in South Africa in the past to address serious internal security challenges including border security, infrastructure protection and large-scale anti-crime initiatives.
The SANDF’s role remains supportive with SAPS maintaining primary responsibility for law enforcement, investigations and arrests.
Parliamentary Oversight
The President has requested that the Speaker of the National Assembly bring the contents of the deployment notice to the attention of Members of Parliament. The communication will also be shared with the National Council of Provinces to ensure full legislative awareness of the operation.
Such oversight mechanisms form a critical part of South Africa’s constitutional framework governing the domestic use of military forces.
Continuing Security Efforts
The deployment highlights the government’s continued reliance on joint security operations to address complex criminal threats that exceed the capacity of conventional policing alone.
As Operation PROSPER continues through April 2026 authorities will be closely monitoring its impact on illegal mining activities in Gauteng and assessing whether further measures may be required to combat the entrenched criminal networks operating in the sector.
The outcome of the operation could also influence future policy decisions regarding the role of the SANDF in supporting domestic security and law enforcement initiatives across South Africa.
