Thirteen illegal immigrants were arrested and equipment used by Zama Zamas was seized during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted at illegal mining hot spots in Brakpan on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out from 08:00 to 16:00 by members from Ekurhuleni SAPS, the CPF, EMPD, security companies, public order policing unit, home affairs, local councillors, Prasa, AfriForum, the Brakpan Radio Group, SPCA, K9 unit and other community volunteers.
They gathered for a parade at Carnival City prior to setting off on the operation.
“The aim was to minimize the influx and mushrooming of illegal mining, surface, and underground mining,” said Brakpan SAPS spokesperson Captain Pearl van Staad.
“The manpower was divided into four groups to address the problematic areas.”
These areas included Brakpan North, Withok Estates, Dalpark (opposite Carnival City) and the Plastic City informal settlement.
Confiscated items included water pumps, pendukas, picks, spades, hammers, hosepipes, a petrol generator, wheelbarrows, buckets and a municipal refuse bin.
Eight dogs and 11 chickens were also seized by the SPCA, who assisted with animals encountered during the operation.
The local society was assisted by the Springs and Boksburg SPCAs.
“We know this is not all the animals in and around these areas. Many animals were running wild and were impossible to contain,” said Brakpan SPCA manager Tamaryn Lombard.
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“However, having the resources available to us helped us to enter safely and be able to determine the situation.
“We want to thank our managers, inspectors, cadet inspectors, field officers, and staff for being out there helping each other to try and make a difference alongside our local stakeholders.
“A special thank you to our community, local authorities, local councillors, and even provincial government for ensuring our safety and assistance in the duties we had to cover. There is a massive need for our attention in these areas and we are working together to address them.
“We need the support of the community to assist in projects such as these. We are very low in resources, such as a vehicle. We are grateful to our sister societies for helping us today with their staff, equipment, and vehicles.”
Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Fredl Jonck applauded all stakeholders who came in numbers to support Brakpan SAPS in the fight to prevent crime and alluded that such operations will be ongoing throughout the upcoming festive season.
