Security forces say the integrated deployment aims to dismantle illegal mining syndicates, curb gang violence and restore order in affected communities

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola said the army would play a supporting role to the South African Police Service

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said much of the progress made ‘bears the unmistakable imprint of the DA’s principled participation’ in the government of national unity

Human trafficking, cybercrime, drug routes and wildlife poaching are surging as South Africa becomes a regional crime hub

Out of poverty people have turned to illegal mining, destroying not only the forests but also farmlands and waterways

The single narrative of these miners as criminals in mainstream and social media ‘makes our recognition of our equal humanity difficult’

Association says the government does not ‘have the will to act’ and the solution is regulation to allow artisanal miners to work legally

With just 62 wardens to cover some 14,000 hectares, it’s an arduous game of cat and mouse

Army clampdown has led to assaults and the property of legal miners being confiscated