SAPS members believe the area is used by illegal miners as a storage site and to refine gold dust.
Police found mining equipment, several bags of gold dust, cartons of African beer and packets of dagga.
They also issued a fine to a woman for selling liquor without a licence.
Lieut Col Paul Mathebula, from Benoni SAPS, who headed the operation, said the aim was to clamp down on illegal mining in the area.
“We were looking for weapons they use while mining illegally, but they heard us coming and they ran into the bushes,” said Mathebula.
The operation also involved EMPD, Public Order Policing, P.H.S Cops, Katlehong Tactical Response Team, CMS, Chubb security and emergency services.
“We are tired of the numerous bodies which are found in the area due to illegal mining.
“And if we hear that there are illegal miners operating in the area, we will continue to conduct joint operations such as these,” said Nomsa Sekele, Benoni SAPS spokesperson.
However, the raid came hours before the body of an illegal miner was found last night, in mineshaft 13.
Since February, eight illegal miners were killed, while five were arrested.
