The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is poised to deploy soldiers to the informal settlement of Sporong in Randfontein, following a mass exodus of residents last month due to relentless terrorization by illegal miners.
A media team visiting the area on Tuesday observed the ghost-town atmosphere of the settlement, where most shacks remain abandoned and doors are closed. The community fled to a local community hall after being threatened and intimidated by illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, who are operating in the area.
The pending military intervention follows high-level engagements between local leadership and the national government. During a visit to the displaced community, the local mayor assured residents that he would engage with Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The Premier was then tasked with writing a formal request to President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorize the deployment of soldiers, acknowledging that police presence in the area has been insufficient.
Residents expressed relief at the news of the President’s call to action. Speaking to the media on site, community members conveyed the daily hardships and dangers they face, describing life in Sporong as “difficult” and expressing hope that the soldiers would restore a sense of safety.
However, the Deputy Mayor of the Rand West Municipality has urged caution, warning the community that the arrival of the military will come with restrictions. Residents were advised that they would need to work hand-in-hand with the SANDF, and that new regulations—such as potential night-time curfews—could be difficult for some to adjust to.
Despite the anticipation, as of Tuesday morning, no soldiers had yet been spotted in the area. The deployment is expected to be part of a broader operation previously mentioned by the President, which also includes sending troops to hotspots in Krugersdorp and the Western Cape.
Authorities are working to confirm the exact timeline for when the soldiers will arrive on the ground in Sporong.