Even though the illegal mining scourge continues to tear through the West Rand and residents feel powerless and unhappy with how the authorities are responding, some strides are being made by the police in combating illegal mining.
On Thursday evening, September 15 police raided a business premises in Roodepoort and discovered equipment suspected to be used for illegal mining.
The company allegedly manufactures equipment that includes phendukas, using gas bottles and steel water pipes.
Also found at the premises were iron balls, electric motors, generators and compressors.
Three undocumented persons who are employees of this company, were arrested while police are still searching for the owner of the company.
Earlier on the same day Gauteng Provincial Police commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, led Operation Okae Molao in Florida where places reported to be harbouring illegal miners were raided.
During this operation, police arrested more than 48 undocumented persons who are suspected to be illegal miners, and seized bags full of what is suspected to be gold-bearing material, and explosives, generators, phendukas and spades.
Mawela welcomed the arrests and applauded the team that discovered the premises where the illegal mining equipment is being manufactured.
“It has always been my aim that we identify the person or company that manufactures and supports illegal miners with tools of trade.
“A few months after we have disrupted and flattened the illegal mining, you will find that the operation is up and running again with new equipment.
“That clearly shows that someone is supplying the tools of trade.
“I am delighted that we eventually found the supplier, and we will continue to deal decisively with illegal mining and disrupt any operation that surfaces,” said Mawela.
