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By Ananias Ndlovu
Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo, delivered a firm and emotional message to the community of Tlhatlhaganyane during her visit on Friday, saying she came to see the problem of illegal mining and violent crime “for herself.”
“I am not here by mistake. I am here because there is a problem, and we are going to deal with it,” said Dr Boshielo, addressing residents and community leaders gathered to meet her.
Her remarks came during a tense engagement following the recent spate of violent incidents linked to illegal mining — including the brutal killing of five men near an open cast mine in August 2025. The murders are believed to be the result of a turf war between rival zama zama groups involved in small-scale mining operations. Eight suspects, including women, have since been arrested and charged with murder and arson.
Dr Boshielo did not mince her words about the severity of the situation, saying that even schools and homes in the area are no longer safe. “You all are not safe, even the schools are not safe. What hurt me most is that someone here informed the illegal miners that we were coming. That means someone within our own organisation and from you, who is working with them. And we will not allow that to happen,” she warned.
The Deputy Minister shared disturbing reports of children being raped by illegal miners, condemning residents who collaborate with or shelter them. “You don’t even stay in your own house — they pay you to live in your own home. And then you complain the police do not work,” she said, highlighting how community complicity fuels the problem.
Following her meeting with traditional leader Kgosi Letlamoreng Batleng, Dr Boshielo was joined by North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, to visit several illegal open cast mining sites in Tlhatlhaganyane.
MEC Morweng reiterated government’s commitment to restoring law and order in the area, stressing that illegal mining has become a threat not only to safety but also to economic stability and social cohesion.
Authorities say a multidisciplinary task team involving the police, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and local law enforcement has been activated to dismantle illegal mining networks and trace those benefiting from the operations.
Dr Boshielo concluded her visit with a stern warning: “Those who choose to work with criminals instead of protecting their communities will face the full might of the law. We are here to ensure that Tlhatlhaganyane becomes safe again.”
— Naledi News | Community First. Truth Always.
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