Illegal mining operations, end in sight?

With illegal mining activities on the rise in the Florida area, specifically in the informal settlements such as Fleurhof, New Canada and Jerusalema, Florida police conduct daily operations in a bid to eradicate illegal miners and curb these activities.

Following the many arrests made over October and early November, specifically that of these illegal miners and recovered equipment, Roodepoort Record spoke to Florida Police Station Commander Colonel Tsotetsi, Ward 70 Councillor Caleb Finn, police’s district spokesperson Captain Jeff Phora and residents of the areas to find out more about what happens to arrested illegal miners and the impact of these operations.

• Also read: Authories establishes partnership in a bid to eradicate illegal mining activities

According to Tsotetsi, the Beke le Beke (translates to week after week) operations are yielding results as the community is starting to have trust in the policing system. He cited the successes of these operations saw successes especially in firearm recoveries, shutting down of illegal taverns who are non-compliant, and arresting of illegal immigrants as it is believed that foreign nationals and illegal mining activities are synonymous.

“The Department of Home Affairs and the National Prosecuting Authority then deal with them after we have taken them into custody,” Tsotetsi said.

Florida Police Station prides itself in fostering partnerships in policing with the likes of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Community Policing Forums, ward councillors, security companies, and social development agencies.

“The station is utilising the resources at their disposal by inviting other Law Enforcement and Force multipliers. The National Investigating Unit, Provincial SHANELA, and District SHANELA are also assisting the Station,” he said.

The station commander painted a picture of what the future for our communities looks like and said that looks bright in terms of Illegal mining as already within 24 months 60% of the job has been done.

The next phase is to involve the surface mine landowners through stakeholder engagement with the Florida station commander to assist in area patrols and fencing.

According to Finn, the operations to curb illegal mining are commendable and have confirmed that results are yielded, however, of concern is the ongoing lack of support from other role players such as the Department of Minerals and Resources and the Department of Home Affairs.

• Also read: More arrests as illegal mining activities continue

“This support is required to find lasting solutions to abandoned mines and undocumented foreign nationals. Further to this, Florida police spend most of their time dealing with illegal mining issues which leads to an increase in other crimes, such as armed robbery and drug-related incidents,” Finn said.

While residents continue to feel vulnerable, Finn cited that more needs to be done by provincial and national police management to support Florida police in serving the community.

Residents Heidi Banks and Joey du Preez cited that they do see an improvement and share Finn’s sentiments that more needs to be done.

Captain Jeff Phora was unable to provide his comment at the time of this publication.