South African authorities have arrested over 1,000 illegal miners, known locally as zama-zamas, in Barberton, Mpumalanga, in what police describe as one of the largest illegal mining busts to date. The Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdluli, confirmed the operation. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, nearly 700 people were detained during Operation Shanela for offenses including gender-based violence, drinking and driving, and illegal immigration. In KwaZulu-Natal, Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is set to meet the National Council of Provinces amid allegations that criminal syndicates have infiltrated high levels of government and accusations of corruption against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The region is also facing increased criminal activity targeting Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal, including rhino poaching. On the economic front, South Africa is grappling with the impact of U.S. tariffs, which have severely affected key industries such as the automotive sector in the Eastern Cape, raising concerns about potential de-industrialization. The African National Congress (ANC) government is under pressure as diplomatic efforts have failed to mitigate the tariffs, and coalition partners are divided over responding to U.S. demands that may require changes to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies and land reform. Additionally, since 2018, at least 148 public servants have been killed, with attacks linked to corruption and service delivery issues.