The family of Lucky Maphanga, a 42-year-old community activist and traffic police officer, is demanding justice after he was shot dead in what is believed to be a targeted killing for his outspoken stance against illegal mining.
Maphanga was gunned down in broad daylight two weeks ago while driving home from his business in Pilgrim’s Rest, near Sabie. His family claims he was assassinated for exposing illegal mining operations that have destabilized the area.
A Life Cut Short
Maphanga’s distraught family says he was shot multiple times, and they allege that his killers are well-known within the community. A fellow activist, who only identified himself as Malle, revealed that Maphanga had been leading efforts to stop illegal miners from undermining a national road.
“We were fighting for our national road because it’s collapsing due to illegal miners digging beneath it,” Malele said. “Unfortunately, some in the community did not share his concerns and even sided with the miners.”
Now fearing for his own life, Malele believes he could be next. “I’m living in fear because I know my name is on their list,” he said, adding that he no longer trusts the community.
Loss of Faith in Law Enforcement
Maphanga’s family has accused local police of colluding with illegal miners, claiming that information given to law enforcement is leaked to criminals.
“The police are working with them,” a family member alleged. “You give them information, and they pass it to the kingpins. How can they arrest their own bosses?”
Despite police conducting raids in September last year—arresting several illegal miners and confiscating equipment—the family says little has changed.
Police Deny Allegations
Mpumalanga police have denied claims of collusion, insisting they are pursuing strong leads in Maphanga’s murder. However, the community remains skeptical, with activists calling for outside intervention to dismantle the illegal mining networks.
As the investigation continues, Maphanga’s death has highlighted the dangers faced by those who challenge criminal enterprises in South Africa’s mining regions.
