SANDF arrives in North West to bolster police fight against illegal mining
The South African National Defence Force soldiers have arrived in the mineral-rich. North West province, to help police tackle illegal mining.
In areas such as Bapong, near Brits, illegal mining activities have forced homeowners off their properties, while some houses have been left at the brink of collapse.
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's proclamation during his State of the Nation Address in February, 'Operation Prosper' was launched in the North West on Wednesday in Mogwase, near Rustenburg.
Ramaphosa announced the deployment of soldiers to Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and North West to deal with gang violence and illicit mining.
The operation, which boasts 2,000 soldiers, is expected to run until March 2027 with an estimated price tag of more than R800 million.
The joint operation formed part of a broader national effort to confront organised criminal networks, deal with crime, and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Last week the Western Cape also launched its operation targeting crime hotspots.
