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Gauteng Police Commissioner: Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni on an oversight visit at Spoorong informal settlement.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has assured residents of the Spoorong informal settlement in Randfontein that police are intensifying operations following allegations that illegal miners forced more than 500 people from their homes.
Mthombeni says a stabilisation team has been deployed to gather intelligence after residents reported that they were evicted by armed illegal miners two weeks ago.
The Gauteng Police Commissioner is accompanying Premier Panyaza Lesufi and members of the provincial executive council on an oversight visit to the area.
[WATCH] Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is visiting the Sporong informal settlement today to address ongoing community concerns.#UpdateAtNoon #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/5jyo6yAM6H
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 22, 2026
The Spoorong informal settlement is located near several decommissioned gold mines, where illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, are believed to be operating and terrorising communities at gunpoint.
The displaced residents, including women and children, are currently being temporarily accommodated at the Randgate Community Hall in Randfontein, as authorities assess longer‑term solutions.
Officials say law enforcement operations will be bolstered to restore safety and allow affected families to return to their homes.
VIDEO | Illegal Mining: Premier Panyaza Lesufi visits displaced residents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g-EFHsc3t8
VIDEO | Illegal miners spark fear in Randfontein settlement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkGKRvv8JqU
