Over 30 suspects were arrested for their involvement in illegal mining activities last Thursday.
The arrests were made during an operation by the Bedfordview SAPS, members of private security companies as well as officers from the Germiston cluster task team.
Security companies present included CMS, CAP and ADT.
The operation was conducted at Klopperpark, which falls under Sector 3 of the Bedfordview SAPS policing precinct.
The suspects will be sent for profiling by the SAPS as well as the Department of Home Affairs.
Chairperson of the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF), Mr Gavin Henry, commended all members involved in the operation.
“Well done to all the members involved in the operation,” said Mr Henry.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the operation was a success and also thanked all those involved.
Meanwhile, the SAPS foiled an ATM robbery at a shopping centre along Van Buuren Road.
According to Mr Henry, the men fled when the police arrived. The SAPS recovered bags full of tools.
Residents took to social media to commend the SAPS for its quick response.
One reader posted, “Did they really think [all those tools] would go unnoticed? I don’t understand. The noise those tools would probably make. My goodness.”
Another residents said, “Great job SAPS. Maybe they can get some fingerprints off the tools.”
Sgt Nhlabathi said the incident should come as a warning to criminals and an indication that police visibility and speedy response is important to the station.
“Our officers are out there and they will catch you,” he said.
