Residents of Kagiso in Gauteng’s West Rand say they are living in fear as violent crime, hijackings, and illegal mining activities surge in their community. Desperate for relief, they have called on the police and provincial government to ramp up visibility—particularly around abandoned mine shafts, which have become hotspots for criminal activity.
This plea comes as government officials and law enforcement conducted a Provincial Integrated Service Delivery Operation in the area. Authorities set up roadblocks on major routes, a move welcomed by motorists who say they no longer feel safe on the roads.
“We Are Not Safe”
One resident expressed frustration over the constant threat of crime: “Every weekend, cars are stolen. Every weekend, people are hijacked. We hope police can deal with this—and the kidnappings too.”
Others highlighted the dangers posed by illegal miners, who they blame for much of the violence. “The biggest problem is the illegal miners—they are responsible for the crime in our community,” said another resident. “People get shot and robbed at night. We need police here 24/7.”
Authorities Acknowledge the Challenge
Police and government officials admit that tackling crime in Kagiso is an ongoing struggle. “We conduct daily and weekly operations to combat illegal mining,” said one official. “We are making progress, but this is a deep-seated problem that won’t be solved overnight.”
Authorities noted that their presence during the operation had already disrupted criminal activity. “We’ve seen that the illegal miners have fled their usual spots. We will remain in this area—not just as police, but as a united force—to protect our people.”
Residents Hope for Lasting Change
While the operation has brought temporary relief, Kagiso residents are urging authorities to sustain the efforts until their community is truly safe. Many fear that once police withdraw, criminals will return.
For now, the community waits—hoping that promises of increased security will translate into real safety on their streets.
