Illegal mining clampdown in the West yields results: Arrests now total 130

Since the Gauteng Provincial Police commissioner Lieutenant Elias Mawela started clamping down on illegal mining activities on the West Rand, over 130 suspects have been arrested.

Another multi-disciplinary operation in Krugersdorp on Wednesday, August 3 saw 30 more undocumented persons being arrested. This brought the total number of arrests to 130 since operations started on Friday, July 29.

Also read: Police out on the West Rand to catch the ‘big fish’: Another 40 zama zamas arrested

Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the operations were intensified following an alleged incident of gang rape and armed robbery recently, and that operations would be conducted continuously to ensure that the areas where illegal mining activities were prevalent were stabilised.

The team went back to operate at the mining dump near the R28 road in Krugersdorp. They managed to remove plastic structures used by the illegal miners. Another group of members then followed up on information received from the community as well as Crime Intelligence, and raided houses where alleged illegal miners were hiding.”

Mogale City’s Executive Mayor, Tyrone Gray and his team also visited the mine dump where the illegal miners’ structures and equipment were seized.

“The 30 undocumented persons will be processed by the established West Rand Processing Centre before appearing in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours. They are facing charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act [13 of 2002].”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any knowledge of criminal activities in their communities by calling the police Crime Stop toll free number 08600 10111 or sending tip-offs via the My SAPS app which can be downloaded on any smartphone. Information received will be treated as confidential and callers may remain anonymous.