Florida police released statistics of illegal mining operations that took place over the week of August 1 to August 7 in Jerusalema informal settlement, and these showed the hidden dangers zama zamas (illegal miners) pose on the community.
The seizing of various illegal firearms, illegal machinery, and explosive devices showed that illegal mining is a cause for concern as damage is caused to infrastructure such as roads caving in due to explosives used in underground operations.
In a high-density operation on August 1, arrests were made for possession of drugs in the form of 20g of mandrax worth R6 000, illegal mining equipment, and for possession of explosives.
In another operation on August 3, which saw the Florida cluster under the operations manager of Lieutenant Colonel Mabuso, and the West Rand Bomb Explosive Unit dispatched to the mine’s location where several zama zamas were arrested for possession of ammunition without a license, possession of stolen motor vehicles and jamming devices, possession of drugs, illegal immigration and illegal mining equipment which comprised of tyres, gas cylinders, pendukas and explosive devices.
On August 5, illegal miners were arrested for possession of unlicenced firearms which included four riffles, one shotgun, and two empty magazines, and illegal mining equipment which included 21 pendukas and other explosive devices.
“It is no doubt that illegal mining is taking over our community and leaving residents frustrated and unsafe. Not to mention the dangers it poses for them. With these operations, we aim to eradicate these illegal miners once and for all, but the fight is not ours alone,” Colonel Tsotsetsi, Florida Police Station commander said.
Tsotseti further urged communities to immediately report any suspicious operations they may come across in their areas to the police.
