More than 250 illegal mining equipment destroyed
The West Rand District Police Commissioner says nearly 300 pieces of equipment used for illegal mining were confiscated during operations held across the West Rand including Mohlakeng, Carletonville and Westonaria.
Police along with other law enforcement agencies came together at the Kagiso Police Station recently to destroy equipment used by illegal miners.
Illegal mining has been among the most serious ongoing issues in Krugersdorp and surrounds.
One of the most recent prominent cases of illegal mining witnessed this year was the collapse of Windsor Road which has led to the road being temporarily closed. It could also potentially affect the municipality’s water supply due to water pipes being unearthed and damaged.
It is for the above reasons that police have intensified efforts to crack down on illegal mining.
• Also read: Windsor Road collapse and illegal mining: Bad news regarding water supply
According to West Rand District Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana an estimated number of equipment used for illegal mining was confiscated and demolished to ensure that the equipment would not be stolen and used again.
”Most of the material used was confiscated after various crime prevention operations that the West Rand Police took part in. Not only was it Krugersdorp but included the Mohlakeng, Muldersdrift, Carletonville and Westonaria areas too,” Kekana said.
Joining the police at Kagiso Police Station to witness the destruction of the material were other law enforcement agencies including, CPF members and Crime Prevention Wardens. The material being destroyed ranged from crusher balls, hammers, spades, penduka stands and penduka drums.
