Post: Strengthening The Frontline: How FSA And SAPS Are Building A United Defence Against Forestry Crime

February 1, 2026

Strengthening The Frontline: How FSA And SAPS Are Building A United Defence Against Forestry Crime

Forestry crime has become one of the most pressing threats to the sustainability of South Africa’s plantation landscape. From illegal mining and timber theft to arson and organised criminal activity, the scale and sophistication of these crimes has grown dramatically – placing not only the Sector at risk, but also the rural livelihoods and provincial economies forestry supports. In 2025, Forestry South Africa (FSA) intensified its efforts to confront this challenge headon, forging unprecedented partnerships with the South African Police Service (SAPS) at provincial, district and operational levels.

Two major initiatives defined this year’s progress:

• The high-level engagements with SAPS leadership in Mpumalanga.
• The strengthened, coordinated, approach to addressing illegal mining under Operation Vala Umgodi.

Together, they mark a significant step toward building a unified, intelligence-driven response to the criminal networks operating within and around plantation areas.

“2025 reflects a turning point in how forestry crime is understood and addressed by law enforcement”

Engaging with SAPS Leadership

In a landmark engagement, FSA secured a meeting with the SAPS Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mkwanazi, and his executive management team. The discussion highlighted the growing economic impact of forestry-related crimes – including timber theft, illegal mining, arson, equipment theft and illegal hunting with dogs – which have placed enormous pressure on grower communities and Industry operations. FSA also used the platform to emphasise the Sector’s strategic importance to Mpumalanga: a major employer, a key contributor to GDP, and a cornerstone of rural stability. Reinforcing the message that protecting forestry is therefore not only an environmental imperative, but a socio-economic one.

The outcome of the meeting exceeded expectations. The Provincial Commissioner immediately invited FSA to present to his District Commissioners, who in turn requested specialised training for their officers. This marked the beginning of a dedicated capacity-building effort to help SAPS better understand plantation operations, relevant legislation (including the National Forests Act and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act), sector-specific risks and the dynamics of organised forestry crime. Training workshops have since been scheduled across two key districts, supported by grower companies who will contribute operational insights, case studies and on-the-ground experience. Additional engagements with the Provincial Crime Intelligence Unit and specialised commanders will further strengthen intelligence gathering and coordinated action against syndicates. This growing partnership represents a major breakthrough: for the first time, forestry crime is being addressed through a structured, multi-level policing strategy backed by direct channels of communication between Industry leaders and senior SAPS management.

Operation Vala Umgodi

In parallel, FSA strengthened its involvement in Operation Vala Umgodi, a national initiative aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks and associated criminal activities, many of which have become deeply embedded in plantation areas across Mpumalanga and Limpopo. SAPS reported a strong operational footprint during the year, with approximately 80 officers deployed in Sabie and 18 in Barberton, supported by National Crime Intelligence Units. Their activities include planned quarterly operations and unannounced disruptive actions to counter highly mobile and often armed illegal mining syndicates.

By working closely with SAPS, FSA has been able to highlight the unintended risk associated with previous uncoordinated operations which included a devastating fire that destroyed 1 200 hectares of plantation. In response, SAPS committed to improving communication, especially during high fire-risk periods, and to notifying forestry companies before launching operations that could interfere with fire management efforts.

To strengthen coordination, both parties agreed to establish the Vala Umgodi Operational Commander as the central point of contact for operational matters. Forestry companies will now share hotspot maps for illegal mining and timber theft, helping SAPS overlay intelligence and plan interventions more effectively. The Industry has also pledged in-kind support – such as drones, surveillance data and number-plate recognition systems – to enhance SAPS’ intelligence capabilities in remote plantation terrain. SAPS, in turn, requested assistance in accessing difficult areas and gathering local knowledge essential for operational success.

A joint fire-risk and operational awareness session was recently held for approximately 40 SAPS members, with forestry companies providing training on plantation fire behaviour, operational constraints and safety protocols. SAPS also committed to improving follow-up investigations into timber theft, with district detective commanders now tasked with enhancing accountability and case outcomes. Looking ahead, joint field visits will take place in Sabie, Barberton and Mashabane, and forestry companies will participate in quarterly multiagency illegal-mining coordination meetings convened by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and SAPS.

The progress made in 2025 reflects a turning point in how forestry crime is understood and addressed by law enforcement. Through strategic engagement, capacity building, shared intelligence and coordinated planning, FSA and SAPS are laying the foundation for an integrated, long-term strategy to protect forestry assets and rural economies. These partnerships are more than cooperative agreements, they represent a recognition that confronting organised forestry crime requires unified action, mutual understanding and constant communication. As collaboration deepens, the Forestry Sector is better positioned than ever to safeguard its people, its plantations and its contribution to South Africa’s economic resilience.

Written By: Francois Oberholzer, Operations Director – FSA

Source: Forestry In Focus