Randfontein Residents Demand Top Cop's Intervention to Combat Armed Zama Zamas and Rampant Crime
RANDFONTEIN – Residents of Randfontein and neighbouring areas, increasingly terrorised by the escalating criminal activities of armed zama zamas (illegal miners), are demanding the temporary deployment of KwaZulu-Natal police head, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to their region.
Frustrated by what they perceive as inaction from local law enforcement, community leaders and patrollers marched to the Mohlakeng police station on Tuesday to voice their grievances. However, top management officials from Gauteng or the West Rand District were not present to receive their memorandum.
Instead, Lieutenant-Colonel Dolf de Bruin from the Public Order Policing (POP) unit accepted the memorandum from the residents, promising to forward it to his superiors.
Speaking outside the Mohlakeng police station, community leader Boki Pule said she believed Mkhwanazi’s intervention was their only hope. She cited what she believes to be strong leadership from Mkhwanazi and an ability to train local officers to handle the armed zama zamas.
Pule added, "Zama zamas operate illegally near our homes. As civilians, we don’t know how to handle them."
She alleged that Mohlakeng police officers often admit they lack the resources and capacity to confront the heavily armed miners.
Pule further suggested the permanent deployment of soldiers to the area, appealing to police Minister Feroz Cachalia and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for assistance.
“Mkhwanazi must come and see what is happening here. While we have a provincial commissioner in Gauteng, we believe Mkhwanazi has demonstrated the leadership we need. His presence would set an example for his peers in Gauteng,” she said.
Another community leader, Matshidiso Muyambo, highlighted additional challenges facing the township, including rampant illegal mining, drug abuse, gangsterism, gun violence, motor vehicle theft, and house robberies.
She expressed concern over children as young as 12 developing drug addictions and accused local police of being intimidated by well-known drug dealers.
“We need new, dedicated officers who understand this area and not those who rely on GPS to find their way. We need brave officers who will clean up our township. We are tired of living in fear and are fighting for the rights of our children,” Muyambo said.
She also called for collaboration between soldiers and community leaders to identify areas of concern and potential problems.
Community patroller Bongani Molope raised concerns about the lack of resources, claiming that only one police van serves the entire Mohlakeng township, which continues to grow rapidly.
He also alleged that suspects apprehended by community patrollers are often released without explanation by the Mohlakeng police station.
In response to the community’s claims, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi called on residents to report any officers seen committing a crime using state resources.
Regarding the shortage of resources, including cars, she acknowledged that only a single van was patrolling Mohlakeng.
“This police station is a satellite police station. It was turned into a fully-fledged station in 2023. It is still in its teething stages," Nevhuhulwi said.
“The police management is aware of their challenges and working hard to address them,” Nevhuhulwi added.
The residents' demands underscore the deep-seated frustration and fear within the community, who feel abandoned by local law enforcement. The call for Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi's intervention reflects a desperate hope for decisive action against the escalating crime wave.
The situation in Randfontein highlights the broader challenges facing many South African communities struggling with illegal mining, drug abuse, and a perceived lack of effective policing. The authorities face mounting pressure to address these issues and restore trust in law enforcement.
