South Africans say criminal gangs are exploiting the water crisis

Residents of some areas have been without mains water for weeks.

South African soldiers have begun dismantling illegal gold mining operations in Randfontein, near Johannesburg, leading to the flight of illegal miners and the abandonment of equipment. These operations are typically run by heavily armed crime syndicates working in abandoned mine shafts, which are scattered across provinces like Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga. Conditions in these shafts are often hazardous and mining there without a license is illegal.

South Africa has launched a significant new initiative to combat violent crime by deploying 2,200 soldiers across five provinces for a 13-month operation, from March 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The move, sanctioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is aimed at addressing two major criminal threats: gang violence and illegal mining—both seen as significant dangers to the country’s democracy and economic stability. The deployment will cost $49.2 million and includes provinces such as Gauteng (home to Johannesburg), Western Cape (including Cape Town), North West, Free State, and Eastern Cape.

The report discusses how criminal groups, referred to as the 'water mafia,' exploit water crises in Gauteng by sabotaging infrastructure and demanding payment for water delivery. In areas like Alexandra and Mamelodi, these groups control access to water resources, leading to extortion and further exacerbating water shortages. The 'water mafia' has become a significant concern, with municipalities spending more on private water tankers due to their activities.