A recent Cluster Rural Safety Integrated Operation in mining areas resulted in many arrests.
On Thursday, 15 November, the police, together with the Community Policing Forum, Sibanye Mining security officers, EPR Security, and Netcare 911 Emergency Services headed out to the mines surrounding Westonaria to nab illegal miners and undocumented foreign nationals.
Captain Andile Moshani, West Rand Cluster operation commander said that the most common crimes in this area are illegal weapons, illegal mining activity, stolen motor vehicles, drugs, and illegal taverns.
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“All arrested suspects will be charged and detained,” he said.
According to Warrant Officer Raymond Sebonyane, the Westonaria Police spokesperson, the vision of the police is to create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa.
“The operation aligned itself with this vision as 31 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, and one of them was found in possession of copper cabling,” he said.
Two okapi knives were found at a dumping site Westonaria and one bicycle and two shovels were also found abandoned at the Kloof Mine.
“This is a clear indication that criminals are feeling the presence of the law,” Sebonyane said.
The man found in possession of the copper cabling is expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate Court soon, while all undocumented persons will be dealt with accordingly by the Department of Home Affairs and the Immigration Office.
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