Parliament, Friday, 24 April 2026 – The Select Committee on Security and Justice this week welcomed improved cooperation among government departments and public institutions in addressing crime, illegal mining, and child justice challenges in the Matlosana Local Municipality in the North West Province.
The committee concluded its oversight visit on Thursday.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Jane Mananiso, said the committee’s mandate was to assess the extent to which government and relevant stakeholders have implemented the resolutions of the Fifth and Sixth Parliaments. “This will enable us to account to the people of Matlosana during the Taking Parliament to the People programme scheduled for May this year,” she said. “We are encouraged by the progress in coordination among stakeholders to fight crime, combat illegal mining and reduce offences against children in Matlosana and the North West more broadly.”
On Wednesday, the committee began its oversight visit at the Hartebeesfontein Police Station, where challenges such as staff shortages, limited police vehicles and infrastructure constraints were identified. The delegation also visited the One Stop Shop Child Justice Centre, where Members noted that the centre has gained international recognition following improvements implemented after the NCOP oversight visit in 2023.
The delegation also visited the Stilfontein Police Station to assess the police’s efforts to combat illegal mining. Among the improvements observed was sustained collaboration among the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Departments of Health, Basic Education and Social Development, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS). This, the committee noted, has significantly strengthened the justice system, especially for children. As a result, the proposed construction of a new centre is no longer necessary because fewer child offenders now require incarceration.
The committee also reviewed the implementation of Operation Prosper, which includes the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support SAPS operations. The committee was informed that Operation Prosper also includes the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks/DPCI. Members welcomed the Hawks' efforts and emphasised the importance of involving the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to improve arrests and prosecutions, particularly targeting not only illegal miners but also the kingpins behind these operations.
The committee further resolved to engage relevant departments, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), to account for their role in addressing illegal mining and the management of abandoned and derelict mine sites. These sites are often exploited for such activities. In addition, the committee will advocate for a review of existing legislation to ensure that illegal mining is adequately addressed as a serious criminal offence.
Ms Mananiso acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and ongoing illegal mining activities. She, however, emphasised the importance of recognising the progress made through multi-disciplinary and intersectoral cooperation. Having received reports from all relevant authorities, the committee indicated that it will make recommendations to the NCOP to further strengthen these interventions and improve outcomes going forward. As part of its ongoing oversight work, the committee will also engage in programmes that are positively impacting local communities.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, MS JANE MANANISO.
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