As police in Gauteng started Operation Safer Festive Season last week, more than 140 individuals were detained, including an alleged illicit mining kingpin on the West Rand. In the process, two assault weapons were also recovered.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, they received information about someone who was in possession of unlicensed firearms in Bekkersdal.
“The information was operationalised on the day of Operation Safer Festive Season [October 21]. Upon searching the premises, police from the crime intelligence unit and Bekkersdal Visible Policing found two unlicensed assault rifles along with a R5 and AK-47 as well as. A 36-year-old man was then arrested for the unlawful possession of the weapons and dealing in dagga.
“Detectives also traced numerous wanted suspects leading to the arrest of 56 people for crimes ranging from rape to fraud.”
Furthermore, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela joined fellow police officers at a roadblock and illegal mining disruptive operation in Roodepoort where more than 85 people were arrested for offences that include possession of suspected stolen goods and contravening the Immigration Act.
“Generators and drilling machines used by the illegal miners were seized as the police dismantled and disrupted their operation.”
