Recent arrests involving senior police officials and members of special investigation units have intensified concerns about divisions within South Africa’s security sector, particularly regarding the fight against organised crime and illegal mining activities.
As allegations emerge of internal factions building cases against one another, uncertainty continues to grow around accountability and trust within law enforcement structures.
Against this backdrop, the 5th annual Mine Security Conference will take place on 1 and 2 July 2026 at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, bringing together mining companies, government enforcement agencies, academics, and private security firms to strengthen collaboration against shared threats.
The conference aims to improve coordination between stakeholders operating in increasingly complex and dangerous environments linked to illegal mining, organised crime, infrastructure sabotage, and mineral smuggling.
According to conference host Ankia Roux, co-owner of Pinpoint Stewards, the event serves as more than just a public industry platform.
“Although this is a public platform, the conference creates a much-needed independent network for major stakeholders to engage privately during breaks and assigned networking functions with the aim of building trust and connections,” Roux said.
Industry leaders participating in the conference include Rio Tinto | Richards Bay Minerals, Neo Energy Metals, Eskom, Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd, Foskor, and Anglo American-Kumba Iron Ore (Sishen Mine). Beech Veltman Inc. will provide legal perspectives on mining security and compliance matters.
Government entities expected to attend include the Border Management Authority (BMA), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy (CGSS), North-West University (NWU), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Security exhibitors Quatro, UDS (UAV & Drone Solutions), Safer City Group, and Blue Hawk Tactical will showcase advanced security technologies and services, including armoured vehicles, aerial surveillance solutions, integrated safety ecosystems, tactical armed response services, and comprehensive risk management systems.
Topics on the conference agenda include forensic intelligence, insider threats, intelligence-led operations between mines, border security challenges, public-private partnerships, legal accountability surrounding abandoned mines and shaft closures, etc.
Roux also highlighted renewed government investment into law enforcement as a positive sign for the future.
“It’s not all doom and gloom,” she noted. “SAPS has been allocated R127-billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with R1-billion directed toward tackling organised crime, strengthening detective services, improving crime intelligence, and enhancing digital and financial forensics.”
More information, email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online at: https://pinpointstewards.co.za/
