Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has announced the permanent deployment of armoured police vehicles and officers at the Sporong informal settlement near Randfontein, on Gauteng’s West Rand.

Cachalia visited the area on Wednesday and said the move is to ensure the safety of residents.

The Minister was accompanied by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

Hundreds of families had fled their homes and sought refuge at the local hall, fearing illegal miners who they said were threatening and harassing them at their homes.

The Minister’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi says, “During the Premier’s previous visit, short-term measures were implemented to stabilise the area. These included the deployment of nyalas and additional police officers to ensure the safety and security of residents. As part of longer-term interventions, nyalas and SAPS members will now be deployed on a permanent basis. In recognition of the community’s vulnerability, night patrols will also be conducted by SAPS members in collaboration with local community patrollers.”

#PoliceMinistry The Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, together with the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, visited the Sporong informal settlement near Randfontein in… pic.twitter.com/s5bk9axhX9

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) January 28, 2026

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