WATCH: War on illegal mining in Benoni continues
Operation Vala Mgodi was carried out in Benoni to deal with the scourge of illegal mining.
A joint operation, Operation Vala Mgodi (Close the Holes), involving the SAPS, SANDF and the EMPD, led to the arrest of 23 suspected illegal miners at a mining site in New Modder on January 10.
Discovered during the raid was a significant quantity of explosives and tools used for illegal mining.
When authorities descended on the site just after 09:00, several illegal miners immediately disappeared into a disused mineshaft.
At some point during the day-long raid, authorities had to halt their operation due to heavy rain. However, once the rain stopped, the work continued.
The Ekurhuleni district commander, Major General Anna Sithole, said they targeted the Benoni area after a public outcry about illegal mining there.
“Illegal mining in Ekurhuleni is a challenge. As part of our efforts, we have brought all forces together to deal with illegal mining, which threatens the economy and infrastructure,” said Sithole.
According to the SAPS Ekurhuleni district communication officer, Captain Nelda Sekgobela, 70 pendukas, 14 stampers, six pump motors, 26 crush pots, eight oxygen cylinders, four gas bottles, two generators, three cutting torches, a significant amount of liquor, a wheelbarrow and a bag of gold-bearing and iron balls were seized.
Held for the second time in Benoni since the beginning of the new year, Operation Vala Mgodi aims to eradicate illegal mining in hotspot areas to restore law and order.
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