25 Nov 2025

North West district is blessed with natural resources, fertile soils and water bodies and yet the resources are under increasing pressure from pollution, deforestation illegal sand mining, among others.

Illegal sand mining from the water bodies particularly rivers compromise the aquatic system, something, which the district leadership is fighting tooth and nail to nub in the bud.

Recently, the district leadership, law enforcement agencies and other local authorities embarked on an operation led by the district commissioner to assess damages caused by illegal sand mining along the Shashe water channel that forms part of the Thamalakane River.

The district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka revealed in an interview that the operation was prompted by the public outcry over the growing incidents of illegal sand mining along the Thamalakane river and other water bodies in the district. He expressed a serious concern that the practice had destroyed the environment and the river altering its natural flow due to deep open pits or trenches that created environmental problems.

Illegal miners, he said had turned the river into a quarry looking at the amount of sand extracted along the river channel starting at Boro area, adding that it seemed perpetrators had ventured into a lucrative business of selling sand.

“We are overwhelmed by reports of illegal sand mining activities in our district, hence we have reignited the fight against the practice due to its severe environmental degradation, economic impact and safety risks. As leadership in collaboration with law enforcement committee we will not give up against environmental degradation,” he added.

Mr Waloka also warned members of the public to refrain from buying illegally mined sand as that exacerbate the criminal activity, saying they should buy from licensed companies.

In the district, he said there were about five licensed companies. 

He also appealed to members of the community to join forces with the law enforcement committee to stop illegal activities and deter perpetrators. 

Residents were urged to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining to local authorities.

Councillor for Thito/Bombadi area, Mr Lerayamang Baswi also expressed worry over illegal sand mining, saying over the years, they had observed harvesting of sand from rivers which had a negative impact on the environment.

Efforts by residents to deter perpetrators, he said were in vain as the practice still persisted, which also presented a hazard for members of the community including livestock.

“The pits are very deep and very dangerous as some people and animals can fall into especially during rainy season. Recently, one of the farmers reported that one of his cattle had fallen into one of the pits,” he added.

Councillor for Shashe/Botshabelo ward, Mr Keakgotswe Bokhutlo stated that illegal sand mining was rife in the area placing an enormous pressure on the environment.

He appreciated efforts by local authorities for conducting the operation saying that was testament that they were equally concerned with the practice. 

“The fight against illegal mining must be seen as a shared national responsibility and it is commendable to see leaders acting collectively towards the course,” he added. ENDS