This report by Bench Marks Foundation further reveals that these illegal mining syndicates are allegedly funding political campaigns in neighbouring countries, raising concerns about the deepening corruption in the region.

According to David Van Wyk, the Lead Researcher at Bench Marks Foundation, the evidence suggests that criminal syndicates in SA are working closely with politicians in countries like Lesotho. He pointed to the All Basotho Convention, the former ruling party in Lesotho, as a beneficiary of such illicit funding. Van Wyk described how prominent politicians and powerful figures in the music industry are often tied to these mining syndicates, fuelling both political and economic instability.

In Lesotho, interviews with local miners revealed that many are unknowingly recruited by criminal groups under the guise of legitimate work opportunities. Van Wyk’s team also spoke to activists in areas like Stilfontein, where they discovered that illegal miners are often recruited by individuals pretending to be labour brokers, further complicating efforts to regulate the sector.

The study also highlighted the exploitation of mine workers, who are paid significantly less than those in legal mining operations. These workers, often without union representation or benefits, make it easier for companies to profit without the overhead costs associated with formal labour.

Van Wyk also raised concerns about the involvement of licensed mining companies in purchasing gold from Zama Zama's. He described a situation where several mining operations closed abruptly, leaving workers stranded, only for the illegal miners to move in and continue operations. These syndicates, according to the study, are not only operating without regulation but are also investing heavily in local politics.  

The rise of these criminal operations is partly attributed to the decline of large-scale mining in SA, with many mines closing down due to economic challenges. However, no effective framework has been established to address the vacuum, leading to widespread criminal exploitation in the sector.

The situation is exacerbated by reports of police corruption, with Van Wyk citing instances where police officers are seen negotiating with illegal miners or accepting bribes. He called for greater scrutiny of the “godfathers” behind the syndicates, who, he argues, operate with impunity at the highest levels of society, including politics and law enforcement.

--ChannelAfrica--